"Where Are They Now: Lucas Peters — From DCLA to National Merit Scholar and Beyond"
Luke Peters graduated from DCLA in 1994 and—with the goal of working in the publishing field—pursued a degree in Journalism with a focus on Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma in Norman.
The textbook company, Saxon Publishers, was also located in Norman, so immediately after graduating from college in 1998, Luke applied for an entry-level typesetter job. Thanks to Mr. Davis's typing classes at DCLA, he aced the typing test. Thanks to Mrs. Wilkerson's math classes, he was very familiar with the company's textbooks and he was offered the job. Five years later, he was head of the Educational Technology department, overseeing all of the company's software and multimedia offerings.
He combined that experience in publishing with his summer-job experience at a construction company and his degree in writing to join WOOD magazine in Des Moines, Iowa, as an editor. After serving in the roles of Multimedia Editor and How-to Editor, he was promoted to his current role of Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, leading the brand's staff.
WOOD magazine is a small hobbyist woodworking publication within Dotdash Meredith, the largest print and digital publisher in the United States. WOOD publishes step-by-step instructions for building wooden furniture and gifts that are designed, prototyped, and photographed in a woodworking shop that is smack-dab in the middle of the company's offices.
In addition to Des Moines, Dotdash Meredith has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Birmingham. The company's brands include People magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, Travel & Leisure, and many more.
Beyond print magazine publishing, because of the company's size and many business divisions, Luke has had the opportunity to work on projects involving large-scale web development, online commerce, retail marketing, advertising sales, and even artificial intelligence.
In 2000, Luke married his college sweetheart, Christie (who attended high school at Garber and lost many basketball games to DCLA). He has one son, Parker, who graduated from high school in 2025 and will be pursuing a degree in Computer Science in the Fall.
Luke Peters graduated from DCLA in 1994 and—with the goal of working in the publishing field—pursued a degree in Journalism with a focus on Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma in Norman.
The textbook company, Saxon Publishers, was also located in Norman, so immediately after graduating from college in 1998, Luke applied for an entry-level typesetter job. Thanks to Mr. Davis's typing classes at DCLA, he aced the typing test. Thanks to Mrs. Wilkerson's math classes, he was very familiar with the company's textbooks and he was offered the job. Five years later, he was head of the Educational Technology department, overseeing all of the company's software and multimedia offerings.
He combined that experience in publishing with his summer-job experience at a construction company and his degree in writing to join WOOD magazine in Des Moines, Iowa, as an editor. After serving in the roles of Multimedia Editor and How-to Editor, he was promoted to his current role of Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, leading the brand's staff.
WOOD magazine is a small hobbyist woodworking publication within Dotdash Meredith, the largest print and digital publisher in the United States. WOOD publishes step-by-step instructions for building wooden furniture and gifts that are designed, prototyped, and photographed in a woodworking shop that is smack-dab in the middle of the company's offices.
In addition to Des Moines, Dotdash Meredith has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Birmingham. The company's brands include People magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, Travel & Leisure, and many more.
Beyond print magazine publishing, because of the company's size and many business divisions, Luke has had the opportunity to work on projects involving large-scale web development, online commerce, retail marketing, advertising sales, and even artificial intelligence.
In 2000, Luke married his college sweetheart, Christie (who attended high school at Garber and lost many basketball games to DCLA). He has one son, Parker, who graduated from high school in 2025 and will be pursuing a degree in Computer Science in the Fall.
🦅 DCLA Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt – Week 4: COOL TREATS! 🍦🍉🧊
It’s hot outside, Eagles—let’s chill out with Week 4’s theme: COOL TREATS!
Show us your favorite way to beat the heat—popsicles, ice cream, snow cones, watermelon, or anything frosty and fun!
📸 How to join in:
1. Take a photo of your favorite summer treat
2. Post it in the comments or tag us
3. Use the hashtag #DCLAEagleEyes
4. Check back next week for a brand-new challenge!
Let’s see those sweet summer moments! 🍧🦅💙
#DCLAEagleEyes #EaglePride #CoolTreatsWeek #DCLASummerFun
This is an amazing opportunity!! If you need me to transport your ag student please let me know ASAP, so transportation can be arranged. We will not be going down the night before this year but will leave early Saturday morning and come home after the conference. Please purchase your student’s ticket under the high school registration link.
Where Are They Now?
Kemper Hill, a 2004 DCLA graduate, has built a career grounded in hard work and leadership. After high school, he attended the OSU Institute of Technology in Okmulgee, where he studied high-voltage electricity and began his path in the electrical utility industry.
Kemper earned his journeyman lineman certification at Kay Electric Cooperative, then joined Mid-Con Electric in 2018 as a lead lineman. His strong work ethic and commitment quickly advanced him to Manager of Field Operations at MC Storm, where he now leads storm crews nationwide and helps train future linemen.
Outside of work, Kemper is married to Stephanie and is a proud dad to Karter and two stepchildren. He balances his time between farming, coaching Karter’s baseball team, and supporting his family. His motto—“Give 100% all the time—no exceptions”—is reflected in every area of his life.
We’re proud to celebrate Kemper Hill’s accomplishments and continued connection to DCLA.
#ThrowbackThursday #DCLAAlumniSpotlight
🎉 Free Summer Meals for Kids! 🍓🥪🥤
The DCLA Eagles will be handing out FREE meals for all kids ages 2–18!
🗓️ When: Thursday, July 10, 2025
📍 Where:
Lamont Cafeteria — 9:00 to 10:30 AM
Deer Creek Office— 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
No sign-up needed — just show up and grab a meal!
Let’s make sure no kid goes hungry this summer. Please help us spread the word! 📢✨
📣 FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS for DCLA Eagles! 🦅
All students entering grades 7–12 are eligible to receive a free sports physical on Monday, July 14, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Deer Creek-Lamont School's Event Center.
Get ready for the new school year, and make sure your physical is up to date!
📄 Required Forms (OSSAA) https://ossaaillustrated.com/misc-forms/:
1️⃣ Physical Exam and Parental Consent Form
2️⃣ Biological Sex Affidavit
🖨️ Copies will also be available on-site the day of the physicals, but parents must be present to complete and sign the forms. OR print and complete the forms in advance to send them with the athlete.
Questions? Call us at 580-388-4333.
#DCLAEagles #FreePhysicals #SchoolSports #EagleAthletes #DCLA
All students entering grades 7–12 are eligible to receive a free sports physical on Monday, July 14, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Deer Creek-Lamont School's Event Center.
Get ready for the new school year, and make sure your physical is up to date!
📄 Required Forms (OSSAA) https://ossaaillustrated.com/misc-forms/:
1️⃣ Physical Exam and Parental Consent Form
2️⃣ Biological Sex Affidavit
🖨️ Copies will also be available on-site the day of the physicals, but parents must be present to complete and sign the forms. OR print and complete the forms in advance to send them with the athlete.
Questions? Call us at 580-388-4333.
#DCLAEagles #FreePhysicals #SchoolSports #EagleAthletes #DCLA
🦅🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July from DCLA! 🎆
We’re celebrating with Week 3 of our Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt: PATRIOTIC PRIDE!
Show off your red, white, and blue, your fireworks fun, your flag displays, and all the ways your family is celebrating Independence Day!
📸 How to join in:
1. Take a photo of your 4th of July celebration
2. Post it in the comments or tag us in your post
3. Use the hashtag #DCLAEagleEyes
4. Check back next week for a brand-new summer theme!
Let’s fill this page with Eagle pride and American spirit.
🇺🇸❤️💙 Happy Independence Day!
#DCLAEagleEyes #EaglePride #PatrioticWeek #IndependenceDay #4thOfJulyFun
Where Are They Now?
David Moss, a 2011 graduate of DCLA, has continued to center his life around service and community. After exploring several roles in the workforce, David found his place in the nonprofit sector in 2022. His work is built on over ten years of volunteer experience at food pantries across Oklahoma, reflecting a long-standing commitment to addressing hunger and supporting local families.
David currently serves as the Director of Operations at Loaves and Fishes NWOK, where he oversees daily efforts to provide food and resources to those in need. He also gives back to his community by serving on the DCLA School Board, representing the perspectives of families and students across the district with a strong sense of local pride.
In addition to his professional and board responsibilities, David is a husband and father to a third-grade student at DCLA. He volunteers with the Last Frontier Council of Scouting America and co-hosts a Star Trek podcast, "Tomorrow Is Yesterday."
We're proud to recognize David's continued contributions to the DCLA community and beyond.
#ThrowbackThursday #DCLAAlumniSpotlight
Derby and Bristol took the opportunity to go to Oklahoma FFA Alumni Camp this week! They learned valuable life skills, met new people and made memories to last a lifetime!
Reminder! Broiler orders for Tulsa State Fair are due today. Stop by the ag room or call me between 10-2 today to order your broilers.
📢 DCLA Eagles Food Pickup Day! 🍎🍽️
🗓️ Monday, June 30th
📍 Lamont Cafeteria: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
📍 Deer Creek: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ages 2-18 — We have plenty of food to hand out! 🥪🍎🥤
Please spread the word! 📢✨
🦅🎓 Summer Learning Tips for High School Eagles 📚☀️
Summer is the perfect time to prepare for what’s ahead—college, career, or just a strong start next school year. Here are a few ways high school students can stay sharp and productive during the break:
🌟 Read with Purpose – Choose books that challenge your thinking or align with your interests. Bonus points for nonfiction, news articles, or books related to future careers! 📖
🌟 Work on College & Career Readiness – Explore majors on OKcollegestart.org, start a resume, practice interview questions, or research scholarships. 🎓💼
🌟 Sharpen Your Skills – Struggling in a subject? Use YouTube tutorials or Khan Academy to catch up or get ahead. 📱
🌟 Document Real-World Learning – Volunteering, summer jobs, travel, or helping around the house—these are all valuable learning experiences. Reflect on them in a journal or add them to your ICAP. 📝
🌟 Pursue a Passion Project – Want to start a blog, build something, or learn to cook? Dive into something meaningful. 🎯
🌟 Set a SMART Goal – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Challenge yourself and track your progress. 📊
Success doesn’t take the summer off—neither do Eagles. 🦅
#DCLAEaglePride #HighSchoolSuccess #SummerLearning #FutureReady
ATTENTION DCLA ATHLETES AND PARENTS: OSSAA DEAD PERIOD REMINDER
The OSSAA Dead Period for 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, June 28 – Sunday, July 6. This 9-day period includes the week of July 4th each year.
During this time:
No athletic activities may take place using DCLA or any OSSAA member school facilities.
No contact is allowed between DCLA coaches/sponsors and student-athletes (enrolled or pre-enrolled) for the purposes of coaching, training, or instruction in OSSAA-governed sports.
This break is intended to give all athletes and coaches a true mental and physical break from school-related athletics.
Summertime policies, including beginning and end-of-season restrictions, can be found in OSSAA Board Policy XI in the Administrator’s Handbook on the OSSAA website: www.ossaa.com
Thank you for helping us stay in compliance and supporting our student-athletes with a healthy break!
We are the Eagles! 🦅
🦅 DCLA Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt – Week 2: FAMILY FUN! 🎉👨👩👧👦🍉
Week 2 is here, Eagles! This week’s theme is all about FAMILY FUN – show us how you’re spending time with the people you love most!
📸 Whether it’s a BBQ, a ball game, camping, or movie night—we want to see those smiling faces!
🎯 How to join in:
1. Snap a photo of a fun moment with your family
2. Post it in the comments or tag us
3. Use the hashtag #DCLAEagleEyes
4. Check back next week for a brand-new theme!
Let’s see how our Eagle families are making the most of summer! 💙❤️
#EaglePride #DCLASummerFun #FamilyFunWeek #DCLAEagleEyes
🎓 DCLA Eagle Alumni Spotlight 🎓
Cheyenne Ellis (Williams), a proud member of the Class of 2020, now resides in Perry, OK, with her husband and their daughter, Emerson. She is a talented hairstylist at Salon 77 in Perry, where she specializes in hair coloring and has recently developed a passion for installing extensions.
Way to go, Cheyenne! Your DCLA family is cheering you on! 🦅❤️💙
#ThrowbackThursday #DCLAAlumniSpotlight
🧠📚 Summer Learning Tips for Junior High Eagles! 🦅
Middle school is a time to grow, explore, and get ready for what’s next—and summer is the perfect time to sharpen your skills and stay ahead!
Here are some easy ways to keep your brain active this summer:
🌟 Read What You Like – Graphic novels, mysteries, sports stories—reading anything keeps your mind sharp! Aim for 20 minutes a day. 📖
🌟 Keep a Journal – Write about your summer adventures, goals, or daily thoughts. Great practice for school writing! 📝
🌟 Real-Life Math – Help with shopping budgets, bake and measure, or track gas/mileage on road trips. 💵📏
🌟 Explore Your Interests – Watch a documentary, build something, code, or try a new hobby. Curiosity is key! 🔍
🌟 Free Learning Resources – Use apps like Khan Academy, Duolingo, or Code.org to stay sharp. 💻
🌟 Set a Goal – Want to improve in a subject, start a project, or learn something new? Set a small summer goal and track your progress. 🎯
Eagles don’t just fly—they soar! Keep learning, growing, and exploring all summer long! 🦅💙
#DCLAEaglePride #JuniorHighSuccess #SummerLearning #MiddleSchoolMomentum
📸 A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in this week’s DCLA Photo Scavenger Hunt! 🦅 We loved seeing your creativity and summer spirit!
Here are a few of our favorite submissions — you all make our Eagle community shine! 🌞📷
Stay tuned for next week’s theme — we can’t wait to see what you share next! #DCLAEagles #SummerFun #EagleEye #ScavengerHuntHighlights
🦅 DCLA Summer Photo Scavenger Hunt – Week 1: NATURE! 🌿☀️🌸
Eagles, it’s time to soar into summer fun with our weekly Photo Scavenger Hunt!
This week’s theme is NATURE – show us your best snapshots of the great outdoors!
📷 How to play:
1. Take a photo of anything nature-related (trees, sunsets, animals, flowers – get creative!)
2. Share it in the comments or tag us in your post
3. Use the hashtag #DCLAEagleEyes
4. Watch for next week’s new theme!
We’ll feature our favorite photos on the school's Facebook page – let’s see what our Eagle family is up to this summer! 🦅💙
#EaglePride #DCLAEagleEyes #DCLASummerFun #NatureWeek
📢 DCLA Eagles Food Pickup Day! 🍎🍽️
🗓️ Tomorrow, Friday, June 20th
📍 Lamont Cafeteria: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
📍 Deer Creek: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ages 2-18 — We have plenty of food to hand out! 🥪🍎🥤
Please spread the word! 📢✨
🎓 DCLA Eagle Alumni Spotlight 🎓
Sierra Williams Marsh, a proud 2020 graduate of DCLA, recently completed her degree in Respiratory Care. She will be joining the team at Stillwater Medical Center as a respiratory therapist, where she will care for high-acuity patients in the ICU and NICU and provide a variety of therapies and treatments throughout the hospital.
Way to go, Sierra! Your Eagle family is proud of you! 🦅❤️💙
#ThrowbackThursday #DCLAAlumniSpotlight
