Mustang Fine Arts Update #3

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Prairie View Elementary’s music teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Hooten, has been selected as an Exemplary Teacher for Elementary Music by the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA).

This highly prestigious state-level award recognizes educators who demonstrate outstanding dedication, innovation, and excellence in music education. Being chosen by OkMEA is a testament to the incredible impact Mrs. Hooten has on our students and the broader educational community.

Every day, Mrs. Hooten fills the halls of Prairie View with joy, creativity, and a deep love for the arts. Her commitment goes far beyond teaching notes and rhythms; she inspires confidence, cultivates talent, and ensures that every child who steps into her classroom discovers their own unique voice. Her dynamic lessons and unwavering support make our music program truly special.

Please join our administration, staff, and students in congratulating Mrs. Hooten on this fantastic achievement. We are incredibly proud to have her representing Prairie View Elementary and shining brightly as one of Oklahoma’s finest educators!

On October 2nd and 3rd, the Mustang Performing Arts Center came alive as we had the distinct honor of hosting and competing in the West Oklahoma State One Act Competition. Taking the stage with their powerful production of John Lennon & Me, our talented Mustang theatre students delivered a performance that truly left a mark on both the judges and the audience.

We are proud to announce that the production received a coveted "1" rating—the highest standard of excellence. Beyond their fantastic performance on stage, our students tied for the "Outstanding Company" award. This specific honor recognizes the most professional group at the competition, highlighting our cast and crews' exceptional teamwork, respect, and behind-the-scenes etiquette.

The judges also recognized the phenomenal individual talent within our program. Congratulations to Mason Miller, Jackson Colbert, and Lydia Cox, who were each awarded a well-deserved spot on the All Star Cast. A special standing ovation goes to Lydia Cox, who took home the top acting honor of the entire event, being named the Top Female of the competition!

Bringing a production to life takes countless hours of rehearsal, set building, and dedication. Please join us in congratulating the cast, crew, along with Emily Farnham, Director and James Grigsby, Stagecraft, for representing Mustang with such incredible talent and professionalism!

We are pleased to announce that the outstanding Mustang High School Marching Band has been nominated for the 2026 Sudler Shield Award in the “Large School Division.”

Endowed by Louis and Virginia Sudler and administered by the renowned John Philip Sousa Foundation, the Sudler Shield is an internationally recognized mark of world-class excellence. The award is designed to identify and honor high school, youth, and international marching bands that operate at the absolute highest levels of musical performance, marching execution, choreography, and show design.

By celebrating these exceptional programs, the award helps establish and support international standards of excellence in the marching arts. This mission perfectly aligns with the John Philip Sousa Foundation—a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting international understanding through the unifying medium of band music.

Earning a nomination for an award of this global caliber is a tremendous honor. It is a direct reflection of the countless hours of hard work, passion, and unparalleled talent of our students, directors, and supportive community.

Please join us in congratulating the Mustang High School Marching Band on this extraordinary, world-class recognition!

We are proud to announce that the Mustang High School Varsity Choir was specially invited to perform at the University of Oklahoma as part of OU's inaugural Invitational concert. This exclusive event brought together top-tier vocal talent for an unforgettable day of music and collaboration.

During the concert, our talented Varsity Choir had the distinct honor of sharing the stage with the outstanding Bentonville High School Chamber Choir, as well as the renowned University of Oklahoma Chorale. Performing alongside collegiate-level vocalists and another premier high school ensemble provided our students with an incredible, inspiring masterclass in musicianship and performance.

Being selected to participate in an inaugural event of this caliber is a tremendous honor and speaks volumes about the quality of our vocal music program. It is a direct reflection of the dedication, vocal excellence, and countless hours of rehearsal put in by our students and their directors, Sohailah Stout and Stephanie Easley.

We are incredibly proud to share that Mustang Trails music teacher, Natasha Duke, recently took the stage as a featured presenter at the Oklahoma Kodály Educators (OKE) Fall Workshop.

The Kodály concept is a highly respected, experience-based approach to music education that emphasizes joyful, active music-making. Being selected to present at this statewide workshop is a significant professional honor. It highlights Mrs. Duke not just as an exceptional teacher within our district, but as a leader and expert in her field who is actively shaping the future of music education across Oklahoma.

During the workshop, Mrs. Duke had the opportunity to share her innovative teaching strategies, engaging lesson ideas, and deep musical expertise with fellow music educators from across the state. Her dedication to professional development and her willingness to mentor her peers directly reflect the passion she brings to her own classroom at Mustang Trails every single day.

When our teachers continue to learn, lead, and grow, our students are the ultimate beneficiaries.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Sierra Machado has been awarded Best in Show at the 2026 INSPIRING HOPE Juried Art Show for her stunning painting, Volunteers.

Sierra’s award-winning piece features a vibrant group of sunflowers that unexpectedly sprouted in her own backyard. Describing the inspiration and meaning behind her work, Sierra shared:

"Volunteers is a painting of a group of vibrant sunflowers that unexpectedly sprouted up in my backyard without being planted. I love the way sunflowers seem to find the light and thrive, even when they appear in unexpected places. There is something encouraging about seeing these flowers grow together, reaching toward the same light. Volunteers is about resilience, growth, and the small things in life that give us a reason to keep looking toward the light."

The themes of resilience, growth, and finding the light are fitting for this specific exhibition. The INSPIRING HOPE Art Show directly benefits the Friends of the OU Breast Health Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness. The funds raised by the Friends provide vital, life-saving services—such as mammography screenings, biopsies, genetic testing, and contrast mammography—for women who have no other funding sources.

Congratulations, Sierra, on this prestigious recognition. We are so proud of your incredible talent and your contribution to such a meaningful, life-changing cause!