JOSH SHIPP
CLASS OF 1999

I personally blame YHS for a lot of my success in life. It was the words of my DECA teacher Jane Sodowsky who commented on my class clown antics that forever shifted my perspective. "Josh, you're a class clown what that really means is that you're a leader. When you make your friends laugh, they are listening...now what will you say??"
Fast forward nine years later: I've written three books, hosted tv shows and spoken to more than one million people across the world. Sometimes your greatest gift is disguised as an annoyance. Thanks YHS!  www.JoshShipp.com

Tina Hawkins
Class of 1979
TOY 2008-2009

We are mighty, we are fine, we’re the class of 79! Attending school in Yukon allowed for many wonderful memories of opportunities, pride, security, and teachers working together to reach all students. I was proud to be a Yukon Miller in the 70’s. Now, I am proud to work in a school system known for its dedication and goodness. Being named Yukon’s District Teacher of the Year is the ultimate reward. The front doors in Yukon are kept open for every child to walk in and begin to build memories just like I did 29 years ago.

Kurt Fleischfresser
Class of 1978

My experience at Yukon was great. I enjoyed the diversity of the students and the quality of the teaching staff. My parents moved to Chicago during the middle of my senior year and I stayed with friends so that I could finish my high school education at YHS. After graduating, I devoted my time to perfecting my culinary skills, with opportunities to work with many fine chefs across the country. Currently, I am the sole proprietor and chef of The Coach House in Oklahoma City and partners in Western Concepts (Sushi Neko, Musashi’s, The Lobby Bar and Will Rogers Theater), Irma’s Burger Shack and Irma’s 2 .

Dayna Dunbar
Class of 1984

I graduated from YHS in 1984 and, to this day, I am grateful to my English teachers, especially Janelle MacIntyre, for pounding home grammar and composition. These are the foundations of my career in writing. I have two books published, both set in Yukon, and both including the high school as important locations. Much of my experience at YHS ended up in my writing. I have been honored to represent Yukon and to have won the Oklahoma Reads Oklahoma Book of 2006 for my book THE SAINTS AND SINNERS OF OKAY COUNTY.

Garrett Sorrels
Class of 1997

Going to Yukon Schools was great! High school was challenging. I wasn’t always the smartest student, but school helped me realize that you might have to work harder and longer than others to get there. Most of the time giving more effort and working harder is more valuable than having talent and not giving any effort. I am now a Senior Account Manager of Media at Barkley Advertising in Kansas City, MO. I remember making funny videos in the Current Affairs class. I remember realizing that whatever career I chose; I wanted to make sure it was making people laugh or smile.

Dustin Skiles
Class of 1995

I was not an honor student, but I've been honored to say I went through YPS K-12.  I made memories that will last a lifetime, some I hope my teachers have forgiven me for by now. With a solid foundation, I moved out of the small community that still holds a big place in my heart and started a career in the music industry. I've worked on several major and independent label releases, toured the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. I currently teach at Full Sail University and continue to dj, produce, and engineer. YPS prepared me to take on challenges I faced along the way.  I continue to fall back on the timeless lessons I learned while I was there.

Rachel (Wells) Cannon
Class of 1997

One thing I learned as a Miller was to never let limitations dictate my chance at success. Yukon teachers set us on a path to excellence and taught us that we could achieve the impossible. After graduating from YHS and studying film at OU, I took a big gamble and moved to Los Angeles to pursue my passion---acting. With so much competition, it wasn't an easy path to choose, but after hundreds of auditions, I finally landed some great guest starring roles on major television shows, which has opened the door to bigger dreams. Shoot for the stars, right?

Holly Shelton
Class of 1997

YPS has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I remember running the YHS halls as early as 1978. With my mom being an educator, I saw an interesting perspective. Most folks knew my name.  I think that is what made Yukon special, the fact I always felt like more than just another student. Teachers, principals, and administrators seemed to take a vested interest in students. I owe a lot to the teachers who challenged me and the counselors who guided me. Now, I am the Sports Business Development Manager for the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau and live a short drive away.

Marti Brown
TOY 2007-2008

Yukon Public Schools is an incredible place to work. Administrators support their teachers by striving to recognize staff and student contributions in making it a better place. I am the Severe/Profound Multi-Handicapped Teacher. Yukon supports me in this position through an excellent facility, building support, resources, and a positive attitude toward students with exceptional needs. YPS recognizes the importance of quality teachers and is rewarded by the excellent teachers who are drawn to our district each year. Yukon Schools make a difference in the lives of students every day.

Jackie Huff
Class of 1958

Before moving to Yukon as a junior, I had attended 12 different schools. Unlike many of those schools, I found Yukon High to be friendly toward "outsiders." I felt so comfortable in Yukon that I was encouraged to hold offices in a few school organizations. After graduating in 1958, I attended college, married, and returned to Yukon to raise my children. I watched them graduate from my same "comfortable" high school. I was also able to end my career as a YPS employee, working for Community Education for 17 years, and retiring in 1999.

Gharrett Workun
Class of 2007

It isn't the superior curriculum, the numerous extra activities, or the location to City Bites that makes Yukon shine. No, it's the atmosphere, the heart, of the teachers and students that let Yukon stand alone when it comes to public education. Not because each day was struggle-free, not because each day brought a smile to either party's face, but because each day was shared, each day was experienced, together. There was not much one could do to be alone or left out: the perfect setting for a school of Yukon's caliber. Let it be known that Yukon Public Schools have teachers that care, students that matter, and lives that live in close connection.

Kris Boevers
Class 2007

I attended Yukon Schools K through 12, and loved the diversity and the chances to grow as an individual. A great sense of community is evident in all of Yukon Schools' endeavors. Yukon Public Schools offer each student the opportunities to grow personally and educationally. As a YHS state student council officer, I had amazing leadership opportunities and met students from around the US.  I am currently a student at the University of Oklahoma majoring in photography with a minor in business. My wonderful YPS opportunities and mentors opened many doors for me, and I was confident and ready for college.

Justin Benefiel
Class of 2008

Yukon High School has offered me many opportunities to
realize and obtain my potential as an artist and a filmmaker. YHS' drama department has helped me develop excellent acting and directing skills essential to my intended profession. Yukon's warm community welcomed the "new kid" with open arms and I feel blessed to call Yukon my home. At New York University, I plan on majoring in Film and Television at the Tisch School of the Arts with a minor in Producing. The film industry is daunting, but Yukon High School has helped prepare me for success.

 Trevor Ramsey
 Class of 2007

YPS has definitely been the strongest force in my life thus far. Being a part of Yukon for twelve years and growing up in such a supportive environment is something that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Great teachers and programs are the keys to the success of Yukon’s schools. I was in gifted throughout elementary and middle school, and band and the Jazz Ensemble in later years. This prepared me for the responsibility of college and the joy of working towards a common goal. I am currently at OU in its Honors Program and owe a great debt for my scholastic aptitude to my home, and school: Yukon.

David Swanson
Class of 2006

YPS was my home for 13 years. I am a product of Parkland, Lakeview, and the High School. YHS is where I grew into a person, athlete, and leader suitable for West Point. I will always remember certain faculty members for their devotion, guidance, mentorship, and friendship.
Currently, I am in my 3rd year at the US Military Academy at West Point. In 2 years, I will be commissioned as an officer in the US Army. I have a fierce loyalty to Yukon, and no matter where life’s travels take me, I will always know where home is.