SparkWheel Concludes Six Years of Tribal Programming in Anadarko, OK

Anadarko, OK – After six impactful years of serving every K-12 school in Anadarko, SparkWheel’s Tribal Programming will conclude at the end of the current school year. Since its inception, this program has provided crucial support to Native American students and families, fostering academic success, improving attendance, and strengthening student well-being.

Under the leadership of Misty Boettger, MLS, Senior Director of Tribal Programs Expansion, a proud member of the Wichita and Kiowa Tribes, and as well as the previous leaders who laid the foundation for its success: Donna Jay, Donna Richey, Christine Armstrong, and every SparkWheel student support coordinator who has contributed to this program’s success over the years. The program has played a vital role in empowering students and creating lasting positive change. Through individualized support, essential resources, and culturally responsive programming, SparkWheel’s Tribal initiative has helped students navigate challenges and reach their full potential.

A Legacy of Impact
During the 2023-2024 school year alone, SparkWheel’s Tribal Program in Anadarko served 1,368 students, 99% of whom were Native American. Through personalized case management and support, the program achieved remarkable outcomes:
·        100% of participating seniors graduated
·        93% of students improved their academics
·        97% of students improved their attendance
·        100% of students improved their behavior
·        60,672 essential items were provided to students and families to meet basic needs
·        335 students received targeted, one-on-one support

These achievements reflect the dedication of SparkWheel’s staff and the strong partnerships built with Anadarko schools and the local community.

A Commitment to Student Success
While the Tribal Program in Anadarko is coming to an end, SparkWheel remains committed to its mission of empowering students and removing barriers to success. The organization will continue to explore new opportunities to serve Native American students and families through its broader initiatives.

“We are incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished in Anadarko over the past six years,” said Misty Boettger. “It has been an honor to support students on their journey and witness their growth. Though this chapter is closing, the impact of this program will continue to be felt in the lives of the students and families we have served.”

SparkWheel extends its deepest gratitude to the Anadarko community, school partners, and supporters who have contributed to the program’s success.

For more information about SparkWheel and its ongoing initiatives, please visit www.sparkwheel.org.

About SparkWheel
SparkWheel, a nonprofit, serves more than 30,000 students annually throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Iowa. For more than 25 years, SparkWheel has been inspiring students and engaging families in ways that remove barriers and help them to thrive. Through the National Integrated Student Supports framework, the organization helps support students' academic and non-academic needs, resulting in increased well-being and greater success in school.
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