Deer Creek-Lamont

Where Are They Now? — Ken Gaskill, Class of 1977

Ken Gaskill, a 1977 graduate of DCLA, has played a unique role in the district’s history. As an 8th grader, he was one of the students who helped choose the Eagle mascot and school colors during the consolidation of Deer Creek and Lamont schools—a decision that still defines our school spirit today.

During his time at DCLA, Ken lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track, and was active in mixed ensemble and chorus. He earned an associate degree in Radio Broadcasting from NOC, where he served as program director of KAYE-FM and was named to Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges. He then completed a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Education at NWOSU, where he participated in marching band, chorale, and numerous stage productions.

Ken’s career journey began with 14 years at Clyde Co-op in multiple hands-on roles. When the co-op transitioned to digital systems in the early '90s, Ken played a key part in inventory coding and tech support—marking the beginning of his shift into information technology. In 1996, he joined Sykes Enterprises, supporting Gateway computers, where he met his first wife, Pam. He later worked for Computer Sciences Corporation, helping major clients like DuPont and Conoco, and eventually transitioned to federal government support with CSRA, now General Dynamics Information Technology, where he continues to work today.

After Pam’s passing in 2002, Ken later married Brenda Barton, whom he had met years earlier in a Bible study. Together, they’ve built a blended family of four children—Lisa, Kristina, Kari, and Beau—and enjoy spending time with their 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Ken has always been committed to serving others. He has been a volunteer firefighter and first responder in the Lamont and Deer Creek communities since 1988, a trustee on the Deer Creek town board since the early 1990s, and the announcer for DCLA football from his graduation in 1977 through the 2023 season. He also serves on the leadership team at Nardin Church and plays bass in the praise team.

From the field to the sound booth, from agriculture to IT, and from school pride to small-town service, Ken Gaskill’s story reflects the best of what it means to be an Eagle.

#DCLAAlumni #WhereAreTheyNow #EaglePride #CommunityService #VoiceOfDCLA

DCLA students and staff came together for our school-wide food drive and collected more than 1,400 items for families in our community. Over the past week, students used class breaks to sort donations and package bags that will go directly to local homes. We are so proud of their hard work and thankful for everyone who donated. Eagles helping Eagles! 🦅❤️

Over the weekend, our Quiz Bowl team came just one game shy of advancing to Area, falling in a sudden-death round. They worked hard and represented DCLA well under the leadership of Coach Kelly Riddle. Most of this team is made up of underclassmen, so we’re excited to see them back in action next year. 😊🦅

DCLA High School Esports is competing today in an online tournament! Brice will represent DCLA in College Football, while Tate and Dawson will compete in NBA2K. The team is coached by Mr. Nelson. Good luck to our Eagles as they enter tournament play! 🎮🦅

DCLA Junior High Boys and Girls will be competing in the Timberlake Tournament next week, November 17–20. Games will be played in Helena and Jet. Brackets for both teams are posted here so families can plan ahead. Come out and support our Eagles as they take the court. Let’s go DCLA!

DCLA fans, we’re excited to share that we will be livestreaming all varsity basketball games on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@dclaeagles

We’ve purchased a new camera system to improve the quality of our streaming. It’s brand new to us, so we appreciate your patience as we learn and adjust.

Thank you for supporting our Eagles! 🦅🏀

Last week, our 6th grade students partnered with Kindergarten and Pre-K to create their adorable “How to Cook a Turkey!” entries for the newspaper. It was a wonderful moment of mentoring, teamwork, and big kids helping little kids bring their ideas to life!

Where Are They Now? — Kristi Pritchett Tragethon, Class of 1996 Kristi Tragethon has built a career centered on creativity, education, and community. A proud graduate of the DCLA 1996 class, Kristi went on to earn her Master’s in Public Administration, combining her passion for leadership with her heart for service. Today, Kristi teaches Gifted and Talented fifth graders in Reading and Language Arts at Sablatura Middle School, where she’s known for her innovative approach to learning. She’s created engaging programs like BookTok Jr. and Blind Date with a Book, blending literacy, social media, and fun to spark curiosity in her students. Outside the classroom, Kristi is also an accomplished author under the pen name Cedar James, writing contemporary romance and rom-com novels that celebrate humor, heart, and second chances. She’s built a vibrant community of readers and fellow writers while continuing to champion literacy and creativity in all forms. Whether she’s inspiring her students, mentoring future writers, or connecting with readers around the world, Kristi continues to embody the dedication, drive, and compassion that took root right here at Deer Creek-Lamont. #DCLAAlumni #ReadersAreLeaders

Subject: 👑✨ Miss Oklahoma Visit –elementary Dress-Up Day! 👗🤴

Dear Parents,

We are so excited to share that 👑 Miss Oklahoma will be visiting our school on Tuesday, November 18! To make this day extra special, we invite all students to dress like a prince 🤴, princess 👸, or come dressed in their very best 👗👔 for the occasion.

🦃🍂 Parent Thanksgiving Dinner Reminder! 🍁🥧

We’re so excited for our upcoming Thanksgiving Dinner at school! 🧡 Please remember to turn in your form and money by Wednesday, November 12 so we can get an accurate headcount.

Let’s make this a warm and wonderful celebration together! 🥰
Thank you for your support! 🙏

#ThanksgivingDinner #SchoolFamily #GratefulHearts

Join us as we honor the men and women who have served our country at the DCLA Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the DCLA Event Center.

Our students have prepared special musical performances to show appreciation for our Veterans. Parents, families, and community members are invited and encouraged to attend this meaningful event.

Attire for Vocal and Band Students:

Junior High/High School Boys
• White long-sleeve button-down shirt
• Black dress pants
• Black shoes and socks

Junior High Girls
• Black dress
• Black flats (no heels)

High School Girls
• Black flats

We look forward to celebrating and saying “Thank You” to those who have served!

Where Are They Now? — Jimmy Hight, Class of 1992 Jimmy Hight, a 1992 DCLA graduate, recently celebrated 30 years of marriage with his wife, Jennifer, and is looking forward to welcoming his first grandchild next year. After serving 30 years in the Oklahoma Army National Guard—including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan—Jimmy retired in 2022 with the rank of Major. He now works in Arizona as a site manager for QCells, overseeing the construction of one of the nation’s largest battery storage systems and solar farms, a multi-year project focused on clean energy infrastructure. Jimmy enjoys time at the lake with friends, volunteering with the American Legion, and supporting Oklahoma Boys State, where he continues to give back to future generations of leaders. Every visit home includes a stop at Kat’s in Lamont—he’s always happy to reconnect with the community that helped shape him. Looking ahead, he hopes to retire fully in a few years and hit the road to explore the U.S. #DCLAAlumni #WhereAreTheyNow #VeteranStrong #EaglePride

🎓 College & Career Readiness in Action! Our 10th–12th grade students attended the Frontier College & Career Fair today, exploring a variety of post-secondary opportunities including universities, career tech programs, military service, and workforce careers. We are proud of our students for taking steps toward their future goals! 🌟

CONGRATULATIONS to Otto Cardwell for receiving his American FFA Degree!! Only 1% of FFA members earn this honor!! Way to represent DCLA OTTO!!

DCLA students are starting a Food Drive. Help them make this a success as they help the families of our communities.

DCLA Families: Due to no water, we will be releasing 7th–12th-grade students at 10:30 a.m. Elementary students will remain in session. Regular bus routes will run to take JH/HS students home if they are not picked up.