Panthers at Pioneer Park Elementary School will be a little warmer this winter after about 350 new hoodie sweatshirts were distributed.
This is the third year for the program, which is financed through donations from community members. The former principal started the program and Principal Ashley McPhail continued it this year, inviting donors to come watch as about 295 students unwrapped their hoodies.
Gift bags filled the gym floor Wednesday as students filed in and found their places. In front of each student was a bag with a new green hoodie just their size. After inviting donors to the front of the gym so they could watch, students were given the OK to open their bags. Red, white and green tissue paper flew through the air as students eagerly emptied the contents, ultimately pulling out their hoodies. Each green sweatshirt has the word panther emblazoned across the front, along with a picture of the school’s mascot. A list of donors is on the back.
“This hoodie is to keep them warm and show we love them and care for them,” McPhail said. “They are proud to show they are Pioneer Park panthers.”
Students were not the only ones who received the hoodies. Teachers, aides, office staff, custodians, cafeteria workers, members of the LPS police department and the crossing guard also received one.
“They are walking billboards for Pioneer Park. We can all be the same and have school spirit and pride,” McPhail said.
Sponsors are: Chiefs/Viridian Coffee, Liberty National Bank, Lawton Firefighters Association, S.B. Jones, Inc. Electrical Co., Pam and Barry’s Team, Kimberli Burk Appraisals, Thurman Investments, ARVEST Bank, and The Lawton Constitution.