Local Teachers, Educators Accept Award At Midwest ACT Summit On February 11
Owasso, OK — February 11, 2026 — Sulphur Public Schools was selected forACT’s Professional Learning and Growth Award, recognizing the district’s outstanding commitment to student achievement and continuous professional learning. Clete Cole, Sulphur’s high school principal, accepted the award on the district’s behalf at the 2026 Midwest ACT Summit on February 11.
Sulphur was one of three finalists for the award, which included also Deer Creek Public Schools and Shattuck Public Schools. As part of this recognition, Sulphur Public Schools will receive $2,500 in ACT Professional Development credits, a $500 scholarship for a college-bound student, and $500 for a workforce-bound student.
District Achievements / Selection Process Finalists were selected after a careful analysis by ACT data experts of ACT testing performance across all public and charter schools and districts in the state. The finalists were determined to have had the greatest average college readiness testing performance growth from their students’ PreACT test results in grade 10 to their ACT scores in grade 11.
In a second phase of the process, finalists were asked to describe their district or school professional learning programs and the ways in which these initiatives and strategies strengthened instructional excellence and contributed to their student growth from 10th to 11th grades.
Sulphur Public Schools stood out for its strong culture of collaboration and ongoing improvement. Its commitment to purpose, accountability, and continuous improvement was evident through strong leadership investment in professional learning and a district-wide vision for ACT success. Sulphur Public Schools strategically partners with ACT to support educators in earning ACT Instructional Mastery (AIM) certifi cations, hosting on-campus workshops, and participating in ACT-focused conferences, while empowering teachers to lead professional learning, share strategies in PLCs, and present their work statewide. The district uses ACT and benchmark data to guide real-time instructional adjustments, track year-over-year progress, and foster a culture where student growth is celebrated, treating ACT success with the same enthusiasm and recognition as athletics.
“Sulphur Public Schools exemplifi es what it means to put students first,” said Catherine Hofmann, senior vice president of government and public relations at ACT. “The district’s collaborative efforts and dedication to ongoing development set a high standard for educational excellence across Oklahoma.”
“Sulphur Public Schools has been intentional about moving from good to great to elite,” said Matt Holder, superintendent of Sulphur Public Schools. “This honor validates years of strategic planning, professional learning, and belief in what our students and teachers can achieve together. We are proud of the growth we’ve made, and even more excited about what’s ahead.”
Looking Ahead
Sulphur Public Schools will continue to build on these achievements, striving for even greater progress in student learning and professional development. The district remains dedicated to preparing all students for success in college, careers, and life.
