Madill is a beautiful example of a community that never ceases to amaze its residents that each person is important in keeping the town moving forward and thriving for generations to come. On February 4, Madill hosted their basketball Senior Night, Teacher of the Year award, and a heartwarming delivery to an iconiccommunitymember.Many in the stunning state-of-the-art event center had eyes welling with tears after cheering their hearts out for the basketball teams.
The boys’ basketball team defeated Byng 50 to 42 and the Lady cats fell to the Byng Lady Pirates 29 to 62. This event was the first senior night hosted at the spectacular event center. Sports are such a special way for a community to come together and show appreciation. The student body is so important to Madill and the new facilities truly show how far the town has come.
SamanthaFaulknerwasnamed District Teacher of the Year. Faulkner graciously received the award with the famous smile everyone recognizes. Bobby Whitten further testified to the generosity of “Ms. F” by recounting how supportive she is to her grandson, Jace Green. “Inclusion is a big word for a child-like Jace and she has always welcomed him,” Whitten said.
They bond over animated movies and music. She even had the vocal music class serenade Jace with his favorite song, “ You’ve Got a Friend in Me ” from Toy Story.
The final event of the night included a pillar of the community, Donny Raley. Students, cheerleaders, basketball players, faculty members, and other members of the community proudly wore “Color Out Cancer” T-shirts in support of Raley.
He has been the voice of Wildcat Athletics for over 30 years, and a Chamber of Commerce board member, Rotary Club member, very active member of his church, and Community Relations Director and Emergency Manager.
The Madill Varsity Cheerleaders presented Raley withacheckfor$8,215,withmore proceeds to come from that night’s bake sale auction.The cheerleader representative told Raley just how important he is to them and the community.
“It is our hope that by each of us giving just a little to you – that you realize just how special you are and how much you mean to our community.”
Nights like these are the reason it feels so good to call Madill home.