In a time when so many things are politicized and too many things are polarizing, it is incredibly valuable to step back and take a pragmatic view of what is most important and why. Greg Wheeler, the new OKC President of Bank of Oklahoma recently shared the reasons why the business community should support Oklahoma City Public Schools.  Hearing a business leader speaking to other business leaders about the value of public education and the need for community support and engagement is powerful.

‘A community is only as strong as its public school system. But this essential backbone is often overlooked. As business leaders, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude—and a thundering round of applause—to our public schools.

Today’s Oklahoma City Public School students are our future workforce, our city leaders, our change makers. An investment in them is an investment into the longevity and vitality of our community.

Students, teachers and staff are doing tremendous work. But we increase everyone’s burden when we don’t adequately support them. If you don’t have kids currently in the school system, it’s easy to forget how important our support is. Out of sight, out of mind. Luckily, OKCPS has made it easy to get involved with their new T-Up for OKCPS fundraiser.

T-Up for OKCPS is a day for the community to show our support and solidarity for our public schools by wearing a T-Up t-shirt on May 5. The campaign raises funds and awareness for the needs of OKCPS by supporting the important work of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation.

This is an easy ask for most of us and a game-changer for them. On behalf of our future doctors, mayors, teachers and, yes, bankers, I encourage everyone in our community to wear your T-Up t-shirt on May 5 and show your support for our schools.

I believe in the ability of OKCPS to create engaged, informed, passionate, critical-thinking members of society who will give back to the city that invested in them. As a business leader and community advocate I’m happy to show my support.’

Greg Wheeler
OKC President, Bank of Oklahoma

To learn more about T-Up for OKCPS and to order shirts, go to www.okckids.com/t-up