Sallisaw Public Schools

Twenty-three time Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Champion, Jackie Hobbs- Crawford, was born in Springfield, Illinois, where she learned to ride horses and compete in speed events. When Jackie was 12 years old she moved to Sallisaw, Oklahoma, where she developed what would become a lifelong love for roping and in 2000 was the Oklahoma High School Breakaway Roping State Champion.

After graduation, she first attended Vernon College in Vernon, Texas. In the two years she spent at Vernon College, Jackie won a NIRA National Breakaway Roping title and a NIRA National Women’s Team title. She went on to attend Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas where she was part of a second NIRA National Champion Women’s Team and was a NIRA Reserve National Champion Breakaway Roper. By the time Jackie graduated with her business degree, she had 3-consecutive NIRA Southwest Region Champion Breakaway Roping titles under her belt.

In 2017 Jackie married her husband Charly Crawford, a 10X NFR Header. Together they have three children, Kaydence, Creed, and Journey. Along with balancing being a wife, mother, competitor, and trainer, Jackie has played a key role in advancing the sport of breakaway roping to the forefront of professional rodeo. She continues to further the traditions of the sport of rodeo by conducting clinics throughout the year in Stephenville, TX, and throughout the United States.

Accolades include the following:

• 1st WPRA National Finals of Breakaway Roping World Champion | 2020

• 1st Breakaway Roper to win $50,000 at stand-alone event | WCRA Windy City Round-Up 2019

• Betty Gayle Cooper Ratliff Award Recipient | 1st Round Winner, NFBR 2020

• 1st woman to qualify for the American Rope Horse Futurity Finals in the Heading | 2022

• 1st woman to ever qualify for the American Semi-Finals Top 20 in the Team Roping

• 2022 American Breakaway Champion

• 2023 American Breakaway Champion, Million Dollar Contender

• 23X WPRA World Champion Roper

• 4X NFBR Qualifier

Dr. Gregory Kirk, is a distinguished researcher, professor, and leader in medicine and public health. An infectious disease physician and epidemiologist, his journey from undergraduate studies in Oklahoma to a global leader in infectious disease research serves as an inspiration for our students to pursue excellence in their academic and professional endeavors.

Professional Overview
With a career dedicated to both clinical care and groundbreaking research, Dr. Gregory Kirk is a Professor at the Johns Hopkins University Schools of Public Health and Medicine. He also serves in senior leadership roles, previously as Vice Chair for  Research in Medicine and currently as Vice Dean for Research in Public Health.

Educational Background
Dr. Kirk’s commitment to education began in Oklahoma:

• Undergraduate Studies: Oklahoma State University
• Medical Degree (M.D.): University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Medicine
• Graduate Studies (Ph.D. & amp; M.P.H.): Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Residency Training: Preventive Medicine, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Internal Medicine, Georgetown University
• Fellowship: Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Research and Global Impact

Dr. Kirk has dedicated his career to pioneering interdisciplinary research on the long-term impacts of living with HIV and hepatitis. He has secured more than $80 million in NIH funding to develop and sustain highly characterized cohorts in the US and global settings. These studies represent amongst the largest, longest-running, and most intensely followed globally. Dr. Kirk leverages this infrastructure to support collaborative, multidisciplinary research and to mentor and train students and early career investigators.

This work is notable for several consistent themes:

• International: In addition to long-term studies in Baltimore, he has been extensively engaged in research across the African continent, with projects in East, West, and South Africa.
• Collaborative teams: To address challenging questions, Dr. Kirk develops research teams comprised of laboratory scientists, clinicians, biostatisticians, behavioralists, policy experts - even a physicist!
• Innovation: Dr. Kirk pioneered the development and early adoption of novel imaging, biomarker and digital health technologies.

Dwight Phillips’ life story is a testament to the enduring connection between a man and his community. His journey with Sallisaw Public Schools began in 1954, when he enrolled as a fifth-grade student under the leadership of Superintendent Gurdie Hurd. In a full-circle career defined by commitment and leadership, Dwight would eventually serve the district for 39 years— a tenure that spanned the administration of seven different superintendents.

A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, Dwight earned a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern State University (NSU), a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from UCO, a Master’s in Medical Technology from St. Edward’s/Sparks, and a Master’s in School Administration from NSU. His academic foundation supported an impressive career, bolstered by 15 education certifications across both Oklahoma and Arkansas. Perhaps most poignant of his professional achievements is his 17-year tenure as a principal in the very same building where he once walked the halls as a student, graduating in 1962 at the age of 17 while Walter Leeper served as superintendent.

Beyond the classroom, Dwight has lived a life of profound service. A U.S. Army veteran, he has dedicated much of his time to his faith as a licensed minister, and a church deacon and elder. Known in his community as an outstanding Bible teacher and a requested tenor soloist, his voice and his teachings have provided guidance and comfort to many.

When he is not serving his school or church, Dwight is deeply rooted in the land he loves. A third-generation cattleman, he manages the family farm with the same diligence he brought to education. He is also a man of adventure and quiet reflection, enjoying 28 years of fishing in Canada and exploring the world as an experienced cruiser.

Dwight Phillips embodies the spirit of a true Sallisaw legacy—a man who returned to the place that shaped him to ensure that future generations would be shaped in turn.

Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner is a former educator and District 6 Councilor dedicated to Cherokee cultural preservation and expanded educational access. He has championed initiatives in STEM, workforce training, and rural economic growth. Additionally, as co-chair of the CDC’s Tribal Advisory Committee, Warner remains a vocal advocate for tribal health, specifically focusing on behavioral health and addiction services. Warner was a graduate of the Sallisaw High School class of 1995.

Sallisaw High School Class of 1974

A world-class innovator and leader in the field of sports engineering, Tom Stites transitioned from the classrooms of Sallisaw High School to the pinnacle of the global golf industry. Recognized as one of the most prolific designers in the history of the sport, Stites’ work has influenced the game played by millions—from weekend amateurs to the most legendary figures in professional golf history.

Academic and Professional Foundation
Following his graduation from Sallisaw in 1974, Stites earned his engineering degree from Oklahoma State University. His brilliance as an engineer is evidenced by a remarkable portfolio of over 300 U.S. and international patents spanning three distinct industries: plumbing, oil and gas, and sporting goods.

The Architect of Modern Golf
Stites’ career in golf began under the mentorship of the legendary Ben Hogan. After honing his craft with the Hogan brand, he founded Impact Golf Technologies. In 2001, Nike acquired his company to serve as the foundation for their entry into the golf hardware market. Stites became the visionary behind "The Oven," Nike Golf’s elite research and development facility in Fort Worth, Texas.

His designs revolutionized the industry, leading to iconic products such as the Slingshot irons and the SasQuatch driver. Over the course of his career, clubs designed by Stites have been used by over 100 PGA and LPGA professionals—including icons like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Nick Price—to secure 159 professional tournament victories, including multiple Masters, U.S. Opens, British Opens, and PGA Championships.

Industry Leadership and Legacy
Beyond his designs, Stites has been a global ambassador for the science of golf. He served as a USA delegate to the First World Scientific Congress of Golf in St. Andrews, Scotland, and has contributed his expertise to the Golf Digest advisory board.

Deeply committed to preserving the history of the game, he has served on the boards of the Ben Hogan Foundation and the Ben Hogan Museum. Though he retired from daily operations in 2013, the engineering principles he pioneered remain foundational to modern club manufacturing. Tom Stites stands as a testament to the heights that a Sallisaw graduate can reach through innovation, dedication, and excellence.

To understand the spirit of Sallisaw, one need only look at the life of Gus E. Fullbright Jr. A larger-than-life figure known for his gregarious personality and a hysterical sense of humor, Gus was more than just a public servant; he was the heartbeat of the community he so dearly loved. Throughout his life, he demonstrated that true leadership is rooted in service to others—whether to his country, his hometown, or his family.  He tragically lost his life, fulfilling his commitment as a firefighter in 1994.

Early Life and Military Service
Gus’s journey began in Sallisaw, where he attended Central School and later Liberty Elementary, graduating from Sallisaw High School in 1964. In 1966, driven by a commitment to his country, he joined the U.S. Air Force.  He married his wife Susan, shortly after.  His service took him to Vietnam in 1968, where he served with distinction, earning a promotion to Staff Sergeant and receiving two Commendation Awards. Following his discharge in 1970, he returned to the community he called home.

A Commitment to Excellence and Public Safety
Upon returning to Sallisaw, Gus worked at the Jiffy Mart and the U.S. Post Office. It was during this time that he demonstrated the grit and initiative that would define his career. As a young man, Gus wanted to be a firefighter "in the worst way," though he knew that selection into the department was a rigorous process determined by the vote of existing members.

Fate intervened in May 1974, while Gus was working at the Jiffy Mart. When a car caught fire in the parking lot, Gus didn't hesitate; he called the fire department and immediately took action to extinguish the blaze himself. By the time the firefighters arrived to finish the job, they had witnessed Gus’s courage firsthand. They returned to the station that night and voted him in.

Gus served the Sallisaw Fire Department for 20 years, a tenure so impactful that in 1995, the station was renamed the "Gus E. Fullbright Jr. Fire Station." Never one to rest on his laurels, he worked full-time at the Post Office while attending night school, eventually earning an Associate Degree from Connors State College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Criminal Justice from Northeastern State University.

Civic and Community Impact
Gus’s devotion to Sallisaw extended far beyond the fire station. He was an active, tireless contributor to the fabric of local life, serving on the Sallisaw School Board and coaching Little League. His commitment to service was further reflected in his membership with The American Legion and the VFW. His deep involvement in the Democratic party was recognized with the "Democrat Man of the Year" honor, awarded shortly after his passing.

An Enduring Legacy
Perhaps the greatest testament to Gus’s influence is the legacy he left in his family. He and Susan raised three children—Mike, Gary, and Jennifer—and he was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Jason, Drew, Matt, Kiristen, Emma, and Gus.

Gus’s passion for the fire service did not end with his own career; it became a family calling. His son, Mike, and his grandson, Drew—who now serves as the Sallisaw Fire Chief—continued the tradition of protecting their neighbors. To ensure that future generations can follow this same path of service, a college scholarship has been established in Gus’s name at Carl Albert State College for the children and grandchildren of Sallisaw Fire Department members.

Gus Fullbright Jr. lived life to the fullest, and today, his spirit lives on through his family, the lives he touched, and the community he helped build. He stands as a pillar of Sallisaw—a man who proved that one person’s commitment can truly change a town for the better.

Hall of Fame Inductee 1998
A true son of Sallisaw, J.T. Stites, II, embodies the spirit of the Black Diamonds. Throughout his life, he was a dedicated student, a transformative educator, a long-serving principal, and a passionate advocate for Sallisaw Public Schools. His induction into the Hall of Fame honors a lifetime spent shaping the minds and character of thousands of students who walked the halls of Sallisaw schools.

A Foundation of Black Diamond Pride
Long before he was an administrator, J.T. was a student who exemplified the pride of Sallisaw. As a 1948 graduate of Sallisaw High School, he was active in the student body, serving as President of the Student Council and making his mark on the field as a Black Diamond football player.

His early life was defined by hard work and resilience—traits he would later instill in his own students. At just 14 years old during World War II, he worked as a welder at the Kaiser Shipyards in California, a testament to the grit he brought to every challenge. After serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he utilized the GI Bill to earn a Masters in Education from Northeastern University, setting the stage for his lifelong commitment to local learning.

A Career Dedicated to Sallisaw Schools
Mr. Stites returned home to Sallisaw in 1962, where he began a nearly 30-year career serving the district he loved. His impact on the Sallisaw Public School System was profound and multifaceted:

Teacher and Coach (1962–1970): Known for his steady hand and ability to connect with students, he spent these years in the classroom teaching mathematics and mentoring young athletes.

Sallisaw High School Principal (1971–1990): For two decades, Mr. Stites provided the leadership, vision, and stability needed to guide the high school through years of growth and change.

Advocate for Higher Education: Recognizing that education didn't end at the high school doors, he and his wife, Mary Jo, were instrumental in the local academic landscape as the first co-directors of the Carl Albert State College Sallisaw Campus. He remained a fierce supporter of the campus as a Trustee, ensuring Sallisaw graduates had a path to higher learning close to home.

A Lasting Legacy
Over the course of his 30-year career, Mr. Stites taught, coached, and led more than 5,000 students. He was a familiar face and a trusted leader who saw the potential in every child. Following his retirement from education in 1990, he continued to serve the community as a State Representative for the Oklahoma Legislature, where he remained a champion for education funding and the people of the 2nd District.

J.T. Stites, II, was more than an educator; he was a pillar of the community, a family man, and a mentor. The Sallisaw Public Schools Hall of Fame is proud to recognize a man whose life's work was dedicated to building a brighter future for every student in Sallisaw.

James Wilson

A dedicated servant to the Sallisaw community for over three decades, James Wilson left an indelible mark as one of the district's most pioneering and reliable school bus operators. His unwavering commitment to student safety and operational efficiency defined his legendary 32-year career.

A Career of Devotion
Mr. Wilson began his long tenure as a school bus driver for Sallisaw in 1943. He dedicated 32 years to transporting generations of local children, serving until his retirement in 1975.

An Incredible Safety Record
In 1966, Mr. Wilson’s exceptional record was honored with a monumental distinction. In a statewide competition, he was named to receive the very first Oklahoma School Bus Driver of the Year Award.

His selection was based on his remarkable 23 consecutive years of accident-free driving and his overall efficiency as a school bus operator, backed by stellar commendations from local school officials, children, and district patrons. This award was presented at the 35th annual convention of the Associated Motor Carriers of Oklahoma.

As the recipient, he was honored at the state convention in Tulsa and received a personal letter of congratulation from the Oklahoma State Commissioner of Public Safety.

A Legacy of Service
Known for his quiet reliability, James Wilson set a standard of professionalism for all who followed. His devotion to the Sallisaw schools and the safety of its students was formally recognized in 1995 when he was inducted into the SHS Hall of Fame. James Wilson passed away on August 29, 1997.

Mr. Herschel McDonald was a foundational figure in the Sallisaw community, a dedicated educator whose career spanned 37 years and profoundly influenced generations of students. He is most notably recognized for his 30-year tenure as the principal of what was then known as the Old Liberty Grade School, now celebrated as Liberty Elementary.

Early Life and Roots
Mr. McDonald’s connection to Sallisaw was lifelong. He graduated from Sallisaw High School in 1925, where he was an active member of the basketball team. His graduation year holds a special place in local history; it was the first time the Sallisaw teams were officially recognized as the "Black Diamonds," a name that would go on to represent the school's spirit for decades.

A Legacy of Leadership
Following his graduation, Mr. McDonald dedicated himself to the teaching profession. When he stepped into the role of principal at Liberty Grade School, he became a fixture of the community. Standing tall with a somewhat stern appearance, he commanded respect, but those who worked with him and attended his school knew that his solemn countenance masked a kind heart and a wry, charming wit reminiscent of the late Will Rogers.

Mr. McDonald’s approach to education was defined by patient understanding and wise guidance. He aimed to instill the ideals of good citizenship and fair play in every child who passed through his halls. His colleagues and students often remarked on his warmth and inclusivity, noting that he lived by a simple, powerful philosophy: "He never met a child that he didn’t like."

Retirement and Impact
Upon his retirement in 1972, the school community honored his life's work with a heartfelt dedication in the Black Diamond yearbook. While he looked forward to spending his well-earned retirement years hunting and fishing, his interest in the educational progress of the children of Sallisaw never wavered.

The dedication of his life to duty, combined with his exemplary character, left an indelible mark on the community. Today, Alfred Herschel McDonald is remembered not just as a principal, but as a pillar of Sallisaw who helped usher thousands of children into the world with a sense of purpose and fair play.

Eric Benson is a distinguished Sallisaw native and retired Navy captain who served for 28 years. A combat veteran, he flew 44 missions during Operation Desert Storm and commanded NAS Oceana, the world’s largest tactical air base. After retiring in 2001, the Oklahoma State graduate was appointed by the White House as Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs at the VA. There, he managed over 120 national cemeteries, leaving a lasting legacy of service to the nation’s veterans.

DeLois Faulkner was a Sallisaw standout who gained national fame as the 1955 Maid of Cotton. An Oklahoma A&M graduate, she was the first Oklahoman to win the title, serving as a global ambassador for the cotton industry. Her reign included international tours and shows featuring designs by Christian Dior and Givenchy. She later married OU football star Max Boydston. A celebrated figure in Sequoyah County history, she is remembered for her elegance and representing Oklahoma on a world stage.

In addition to being awarded the 1956 Alumnus of the Year, DeLois Faulkner was recognized again by Oklahoma State University in 1989 when she was inducted into the Spears School of Business Hall of Fame. In 1997, she was recognized by being inducted into the OSU Alumni Association Hall of Fame. 

Mr. Paul Post came to Sallisaw in 1938, and except for the five years he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, he taught mathematics and coached wrestling and football at Sallisaw High School.   He was a graduate of Sapulpa High School.  He went to Northeastern State College, now Northeastern State University, where he was captain of both the football and wrestling teams.

He joined the army and served as a tank commander in France, where he was wounded by shrapnel in his legs and feet.  He was married to Cleo Hawkins, and they both attained their master’s degree in the summers at Colorado State University.

Mr. Post encouraged the continuation of wrestling as a high school sport upon his return from World War II and resumed the Sallisaw wrestling program at Sallisaw High School even though few teams existed for competition.  He personally drove his teams long distances for wrestling meets.

Mr. Post was Sallisaw High School’s wrestling and math teacher until 1969 when he retired from coaching.  He continued his career in education by serving as the high school counselor until 1974, when he retired altogether. Called the “Dean of Wrestling Coaches”, Mr. Post was also referred to as the pillar of wrestling in the state of Oklahoma by the media.  

He was credited with keeping the sport of wrestling alive in northeastern Oklahoma. Paul Post was inducted into the Tulsa Edison’s Wrestling Hall of Fame in about 1970 and was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame in 1971.  Coach Post was also honored at Claremore Junior College, now Rogers State College, during a wrestling match with a “Paul Post Night”.  In 1989, Mr. Post was honored at the Sallisaw High School wrestling homecoming.  

Paul Post started the annual wrestling tournament in 1960. In the beginning, the community supported his tournaments by offering their homes to accommodate the wrestlers and coaches. This tournament is now known as the “Annual Paul Post Invitational”. Teams across Oklahoma and Arkansas have competed in this tournament every year, except for 2015.

He was inducted into the Sallisaw High School Hall of Fame in 1989.  In 1999, Mr. Paul Post was awarded the ‘Lifetime Service to Wrestling’ by the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was a member of the American Legion and served as post commander, a member of the Masonic Lodge, and an outdoor and sports enthusiast.

Roy Frye Jr. was a prominent Sallisaw attorney and civic leader who left a lasting mark on Sequoyah County. A WWII Army captain and OU law graduate, he practiced law with his father before being appointed as an original member of the Cherokee Nation’s Judicial Appeals Tribunal in 1976. He was instrumental in Sallisaw’s growth, helping establish the local industrial park and the Sequoyah County Conservancy District. Today, the Roy Frye Jr. Industrial Park stands as a tribute to his vision.

Irene (Bradley) Green graduated from Sallisaw High School in 1929. While in high school, she was very active in the Pep Club. During her senior year, she was elected Pep Leader. Irene no doubt, noticed that some of the schools had school songs, so she got busy and wrote one for Sallisaw High School.

Over the years, the Sallisaw High School Song set to the tune of the Washington and Lee Swing by T.W. Allen, has remained very popular. It is sung at all ball games and many other school gatherings. Regardless of their age, students and former students of SHS know the Sallisaw High School Song by heart.

After her graduation, Irene came back to teach in the Sallisaw High School for many years. Most students remember her as their Social Studies teacher especially their American History teacher. Irene Bradley Green retired in 1974 and she passed away in 1981. Her school song will, no doubt, live forever!

Distinguished Athlete and Broadcaster
A standout talent who carried the spirit of Sallisaw High School to the national stage, Steve Davis is remembered as one of the most accomplished athletes to emerge from the SHS program. His journey from a local high school star to an award-winning collegiate quarterback and respected voice in sports broadcasting remains a point of immense pride for the Sallisaw community.

A Legacy of Excellence on the Field
Steve Davis graduated from Sallisaw High School in 1971, leaving behind a decorated high school athletic career. During his senior year, he demonstrated his athletic prowess as an All-Conference and All-State selection, ultimately being voted the team's Most Valuable Player in football.

His talent took him to the University of Oklahoma, where he excelled as an award-winning quarterback. Davis solidified his place in college football history by leading the Sooners to a decisive victory in the 1976 Orange Bowl, a crowning achievement in his collegiate career.

A Voice for the Sooners
Following his playing days, Davis remained deeply connected to the game he loved. He transitioned into a successful 18-year career in sports broadcasting, where he became a familiar and beloved voice covering OU football games. His transition from the field to the broadcast booth allowed him to share his deep knowledge of the game with countless fans.

Steve Davis’s life was tragically cut short in a jet airplane crash on March 17, 2013, in South Bend, Indiana. He is remembered not only for his athletic accomplishments but for his enduring contribution to the legacy of football at both the high school and collegiate levels.

Tommie Spear

A lifelong educator and pioneer in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Tommie Spear dedicated 46 years of her life to the students of Sequoyah County. Known for her innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to her community, Mrs. Spear’s legacy remains a cornerstone of the local educational system.

A Career of Firsts and Innovation
Mrs. Spear’s career was defined not only by her longevity but by her initiative. Throughout her 36 years in the Sallisaw school system, she consistently identified the needs of her students and developed the curriculum to meet them. Her pioneering contributions included:

• 1929: Organized and taught the first foreign language course (Spanish) at Sallisaw High School.
• 1929–1931: Served as the SHS Girls Basketball coach, leading her team to a District Tournament victory in her very first year.
• 1942: Established the Yearbook Staff and oversaw the publication of the first Sallisaw High School yearbook, The Black Diamond.
• 1954: In a landmark move following school integration, she planned and taught the first Black History course in the school—notably, this was the first course of its kind in the state of Oklahoma.

Honors and Legacy
Her decades of service earned her significant accolades, including being named the State of Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in 1955. Her impact was so profound that in 1952, the school board named the new junior high school "Tommie Spear Junior High." In 1988, the institution was renamed "Tommie Spear Middle School" to honor her continued contributions.

On January 25, 1981, Sallisaw Mayor George Glenn officially proclaimed the date "Tommie Spear Appreciation Day" in honor of her 83rd birthday. In 1985, she was the inaugural inductee into the Sallisaw School Hall of Fame.

An Enduring Influence
Even after her retirement, Mrs. Spear remained a fixture in the school community, attending 56 consecutive high school graduations. Her impact on generations of students is best summarized by the sentiment shared by many of her former pupils:

"I liked all my teachers, but I loved Mrs. Spear."