Love PV is one of two organizations honored recently by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association for outstanding partnership with their local schools. The Pauls Valley-based organization and an El Reno organization, Wesley in ACTSion, are the 2025 Barbara Lynch Community Partner award recipients and were honored at the OSSBA’s recent conference in Oklahoma City.
“Oklahoma students thrive when school districts, community organizations and businesses come together in support of public education,” OSSBA Executive Director Shawn Hime said. “OSSBA and our board of directors are proud to recognize the support and collaboration Love PV and Wesley in ACTSion have provided to their school districts and communities. Through their efforts, they have built strong relationships in their communities that will have a positive, lasting impact on public education, their community and its students.”
Love PV addresses the barriers many Pauls Valley families face at the beginning of the school year, relieving the stress and financial strain of back-toschool preparations. When Pauls Valley Public School students head back to the classroom, they are not worried about buying pencils, notebooks and other needed school supplies, but instead are focused on the exciting opportunities the new school year holds.
“Love PV is a shining example of the power of community engagement and partnership in education,” Pauls Valley Public Schools Superintendent Brett Knight said. “The organization is committed to strengthening the whole child and improving the social and emotional conditions that can impact learning. By addressing the basic needs of our students, Love PV allows our teachers and staff to focus on their core mission – providing an exceptional education.”
Through year-round community engagement, Love PV and Pauls Valley Public Schools work together to provide every student with the school supplies they need to start the school year. Love PV allows parents and students to focus less on the financial aspect of preparing for school and more on the educational opportunities Pauls Valley offers. An active network of community members— building partnerships with local businesses, civic groups and volunteers— make Love PV possible.
Inspired by Acts 20:35, Wesley in ACTSion, a committee created by the Wesley United Methodist Church in El Reno, centers its contributions around the motto: we do things. Wesley in ACTSion organizes projects like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Children’s Bookmobile, making literacy and education accessible to countless children in El Reno and Canadian County. In 2024, the Imagination Library mailed out 12,653 books, while the Bookmobile provided over 2,200 in its inaugural year.
“Wesley in ACTSion has not only addressed the tangible needs of the community but has also fostered a spirit of kindness, generosity and unity that inspires others to contribute in meaningful ways,” El Reno Public Schools Superintendent Matt Goucher stated. “Their programs serve as a shining example of how community organizations can partner with schools to build a brighter and more equitable future…Their work is a testament to the power of community driven efforts to make a difference in the lives of so many.”
In addition to its literacy programs, Wesley in ACTSion also offers mentorship opportunities through its El Reno Public Schools Mentoring Program, which provides academic and personal support to elementary students. It also supports teachers and staff through the Teacher’s Store, providing free teaching aids and classroom supplies. El Reno City Council Member Amy Neathery and El Reno Board of Education President Dr. Dorrie Jordan-Parrott serve as co-chairs of the committee, spearheading growth and maintaining the committee's impactful programs. In 2024, the estimated value of Wesley in ACTSion’s contributions to the school district and community reached approximately $300,000.
