Left to Right: OKCPS Foundation President and CEO Mary Mélon-Tully; 2024 Wall of Fame honoree recipients Ryan Blair Smith (accepted posthumously for Dr. Kenneth Blair, Sr.), L. Michael Dillard, Phil Busey, Sr., Brandon Rehkop (accepted posthumously for Christina Rehkop), Dr. Colleen J. Payne-Nabors; and incoming OKCPS Foundation president and CEO Kendra Horn

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2024 Wall of Fame Honors OKCPS Alumni and Announces Major Gift for Public Education
Annual ceremony celebrates alumni legacies, renames Unsung Hero Award and announces $5 million gift from Pat Potts

Oklahoma City (October 29, 2024) – Yesterday, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation celebrated its 40th annual Wall of Fame Humanitarian Awards, honoring the outstanding contributions of Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) alumni and leaders. This milestone event highlighted the exceptional legacies of alumni who have impacted the community, city and beyond.

“Our Wall of Fame honorees remind us of the remarkable talent and gifts that have come from Oklahoma City Public Schools,” said Mary Mélon-Tully, President and CEO of the OKCPS Foundation. “Their achievements are a testament to the resilience and strength within our district, and they inspire us to continue supporting today’s students in reaching their fullest potential. This event is a celebration of legacy, impact and the bright future ahead for OKCPS.”

Since its inception in 1985, the OKCPS Foundation has recognized 110 alumni through its Wall of Fame. Each year, the foundation celebrates leaders who embody excellence, service and resilience, encouraging students across the district to envision bright futures inspired by these role models.

During an emotional tribute to her late husband Ray Potts, Pat Potts announced a $5 million gift to establish the OKCPS First Choice Fund through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. The fund, administered by the OKCPS Foundation, will support initiatives that will expand early childhood centers in our schools, teacher recruitment and retention, and school safety and security. “Ray and I always believed wholeheartedly in the public education system, and our life’s work has been about enriching the lives of others to build our community and state to its fullest potential,” said Potts. “This fund reflects our commitment to encourage families back to OKCPS by leaning into OKCPS’s goal of being the FIRST choice. Our gift is $5 million, but we will be reaching out for community help to reach our ultimate goal of approximately $15 million.”

In a heartfelt surprise, the Unsung Hero Award was renamed in honor of Mary Mélon-Tully, recognizing her dedication and lasting contributions to the OKCPS Foundation and the community. The newly renamed Mary Mélon-Tully Unsung Hero Award was presented posthumously to Christina Rehkop, former Devon Energy Community Relations Director, whose work advanced STEM education across OKCPS.

Kendra Horn, incoming president and CEO of the OKCPS Foundation, shared her excitement about joining the foundation at such a meaningful time: “As I begin my journey with the OKCPS Foundation, it’s truly inspiring to witness the impact of our alumni and community leaders. Each honoree’s story reflects the possibilities for our students and the strength of our OKCPS community. This event celebrates not just their achievements, but the potential that lies in every OKCPS student.”

The 2024 honorees include:

• Kenneth Blair, Sr. (Honored Posthumously) – A Classen High School alum and former NFL player with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dr. Blair had a successful career with the Walt Disney Co. and as a coach at OKCPS schools. Known as “Santa Blair,” he spread joy impersonating Santa Claus, inspiring inclusivity during the holidays.
• Phil Busey, Sr. – Founder and Chairman of Delaware Resource Group and Classen High School alum, Busey has grown a global aerospace defense company spanning over 125 locations. A member of the Cherokee Nation and Delaware Tribe, he is a committed advocate for minority businesses and co-founder of El Sistema Oklahoma, a nonprofit after-school music program.
• Michael Dillard – A Southeast High School graduate, real estate entrepreneur and founder of Century Martial Arts, the world’s top martial arts equipment supplier. Dillard, a 9th-degree Black Belt, trained with Chuck Norris and established the Martial Arts Industry Association to support school owners nationwide.
• Colleen J. Payne-Nabors – A Star Spencer High School alum and founder of MCI Diagnostic Center, a leading national testing laboratory. Payne-Nabors is recognized for her contributions to healthcare accessibility and is the author of “I Did It My Way and… It Worked!”
• Christina Rehkop (Mary Mélon-Tully Unsung Hero, Honored Posthumously) – Former Devon Energy Community Relations Director, Rehkop championed OKCPS STEM initiatives, including mobile labs and permanent STEM centers in all elementary schools. Her legacy continues through her impact on OKCPS students and as an organ donor who saved lives.

Co-hosted by Pastor Derrick Scobey, a 2020 Wall of Fame member, and Tana Cashion, OKCPS Foundation Board of Directors Chair-Elect, the event underscored OKCPS Foundation’s dedication to honoring the city’s educational and cultural roots.

For more information on the OKCPS Foundation’s Wall of Fame, visit okckids.com/wall-of-fame.

ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

Created in 1984, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance excellence, advocate for equity, and build strong community support for lasting success in Oklahoma City Public Schools. The Foundation works closely with the District and business community to align strategies and priorities for sustained performance improvement. Please visit us online at okckids.com for more information on our focus areas and volunteer and giving opportunities.

Media Contact
Lisa Riley | LM Media | 405.401.3593 | lisa@LMmedia.net