The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women.

Advanced Science and Technology Education Charter Schools (ASTEC) hosted its anniversary celebration with a festive pep rally and open house this week featuring many of Oklahoma’s civic, business and government leaders. Terry Neese was in attendance at the celebration.

ASTEC’s middle school is Oklahoma’s first start-up charter school, and today, its middle and high schools represent Oklahoma’s largest charter school enrollment with more than 900 students.

Serving inner-city children in grades 6 through 12, 98 percent of ASTEC’s high school graduates enroll in college.

Pep rally speakers played several roles like coach, trainer, time keeper, referee and “Voice of the Comets.” They included: Coach Barry Switzer, Jackie Cooper, Gen. Jay Edwards (Ret.), Gen. Ben Robinson (Ret.), State Representative Al McAffrey, Bill Paul and Dr. Harvey Dean of the Pitsco Science Company in Kansas.

Pep rally “cheerleaders” included Dr. Sharon Lease, Judy Hatfield, Terry Neese, Becky Switzer, Kerry Robertson-Kerby, Kerry Robertson Communications; and Lyn Andarakas.

Closing remarks were made by ASTEC Founder/CEO Dr. Freda Deskin and Board Vice Chairman Clay Moss. Following the pep rally, guests toured what are Oklahoma’s most technologically-advanced classrooms and the ASTEC cafeteria and new kitchen, where fresh foods cooked on site by a chef focus on students learning good eating habits.

ASTEC Charter Schools’ mission is to be the leader in empowering and inspiring learners in reaching their highest potential, and ASTEC’s vision is to provide all learners an opportunity to interact in innovative, safe learning environments, while focusing on core values.

For more information about ASTEC Charter Schools, please visit their website at www.asteccharterschools.com.