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  • Patsy McIlvain and some of her 4th graders took time-out from celebrating Read Across America Week for a quick photo on Wednesday. Photo by Jenah Kastelic

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March 4, 2010

Local teacher recognized for commitment to Oklahoma history

Jenah Kasetlic Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — Each year, the Oklahoma Heritage Association honors teachers for their work in preserving state and local history. 

The association has chosen Patsy McIlvain as the 2010 recipient of the "Edward L. & Thelma Gaylord Award for Excellence in Teaching Oklahoma History."  She will receive the award during the Oklahoma Heritage Association’s annual membership meeting and awards luncheon on March 31.

McIlvain has taught in Woodward for 29 years, and her enthusiasm for history has rubbed off on her students since the beginning.  For most of those years,  McIlvain has been teaching fourth graders at Horace Mann Elementary.

McIlvain recalled her first year teaching fourth graders during Woodward's centennial year in 1987, which she described as “a really great year of learning about the history of our area.”

“We all worked together and created a float to enter in Woodward’s centennial parade.  Our theme was based around the book 'Below Devil’s Gap' by Louise B. James,” she said.

Another big year McIlvain recalled was when the state celebrated its centennial in 2007.

“We did many projects centered around the state, and it was a school-wide event,” McIlvain said.

But, it doesn’t have to be a centennial year for McIlvain’s students gain an appreciation for our city and our state.  Students read and do history activities, but they often gain hands-on experience as well.

For example, she has guest speakers visit her classroom and each year her students go back to the 1900s when they visit the Roll one-room school house in Cheyenne. 

Principal Petra Sullender commended McIlvain for her dedication and passion for teaching.

“I am very proud of her, and she is very deserving of this award,” Sullender said.  “She is knowledgeable and spends a lot of time teaching the kids about our heritage and what it means to live in Oklahoma and be an Okie.”

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