Shipley retires after 40 years of dedicated service

After four decades of molding young minds and nurturing talents, Sheryl Shipley, a teacher, coach and mentor, is bidding farewell to her illustrious career.

Shipley, who has been an integral part of the educational landscape for generations, recently announced her retirement, marking the end of an era in the Okmulgee School District.

Shipley’s journey in education spans back to 1983 when she embarked on her teaching odyssey. A graduate of Morris High School, she attended college at Northeastern State University. Armed with a degree in Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Science, Shipley’s passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom as she coached basketball, slowpitch and fastpitch softball, track, and boys’ basketball, leaving an indelible mark on the athletic endeavors of her students.

Throughout her tenure, Shipley’s dedication to her craft was unwavering, evident in her stints at various schools, including Morris and Henryetta, but time, and a love for the district and its students brought her back to Okmulgee. Her love for teaching 6th grade health and physical education remained a constant, providing countless students with invaluable lessons and guidance.

Shipley’s impact transcended the confines of the classroom, as she assumed the role of dean of students, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a positive learning environment for both students and colleagues alike. Her tireless efforts to support her fellow educators and empower students have left an enduring legacy within the Okmulgee community.

In a recent interview reflecting on her remarkable career, Shipley expressed gratitude for the countless memories and experiences she cherished throughout the years. From coaching triumphant sports teams to witnessing the growth and achievements of her students, Shipley’s journey has been filled with joy, camaraderie, and unwavering dedication.

As Shipley embarks on this new chapter of her life, she looks forward to spending quality time with her family, which includes her husband, who is a teacher at Morris Public Schools, and working with her daughter, Laci, who also works at Dunbar School.

Her two grandchildren also hold a special place in her heart.

“I know people say don’t retire unless you’re gonna retire to something,” she said. “I don’t have and I’m okay with that … I got a lot of little things that I want to do. But I’ll be honest, our oldest granddaughter keeps us so busy…” Retirement will allow her to be even more involved in activities as her granddaughter moves into her senior year.

What are her favorite memories? “I gotta be honest, most of my memories are here (in Okmulgee), but I had some great times coaching at all three schools,” Shipley said. “I don’t forget a face … but I can’t single out just one.

“This is what I come and do every day. And I’m not going to be doing that. I don’t know what that’s gonna look like. But I’m feeling a little anxiety…” But there will be definitely things to fill the time.

She also added a personal note: “We (Okmulgee Schools) get a bad rap on (social media),” Shipley said. “What I would love to say is, is that kids are just about the same wherever you go. And if you think there’s not bullying in other schools, you’re wrong. Yeah, it’s everywhere. And I feel like we do a good job at addressing them.

“We can’t heal it and we can’t take it away. It’s always going to be there. So we do it with programs like we did today. And we’ve been preaching kindness all year.”

Shipley gave an example of a teacher who shared a heart-shaped note given to her by a student thanking the teacher for the things that she’s doing.”

So that’s the kind of stuff – it’s the kind of stuff to me that I love because some of the kids do get it. We have some really good kids here at Dunbar. And I wish that everybody saw that. Yeah, I really do.”

Shipley also thanked her fellow co-workers for their hard work, which many times go unnoticed.

“I’ve had a lot of support here, and. I appreciate it!”

While she may not have concrete plans for her retirement, Shipley’s boundless enthusiasm for life and unwavering spirit will undoubtedly guide her toward new adventures and experiences.

Shipley’s retirement leaves an unmistakable void in the halls of Okmulgee schools, but her impact on the lives of countless students and colleagues will continue to resonate for years to come.

Shipley is also busy in the Morris community, and part of her church, the Morris Community of Christ, where her husband Dusty is the pastor.

As the community bids farewell to a beloved educator, they do so with gratitude, admiration, and profound appreciation for Sheryl Shipley’s immeasurable contributions to the field of education.