Sarah Brady Named J.R.P. Sewell Award Winner

Goodwell, Okla. — Sarah Brady was named this year’s J.R.P. Sewell award recipient at Oklahoma Panhandle State University Commencement Ceremony on May 10th.

A double major from Marcus, Iowa, Brady was selected from a strong field of graduating seniors. Brady has been an outstanding presence on campus serving as an active member and/or officer of Student Oklahoma Education Association (SOEA), FFA, Alpha Zeta, and Student Senate. Additionally, she has served as a Student Ambassador, campus photographer, and the chair of both the School Improvements Committee and Special Committee. She left a mark on the campus as part of the Dormitory Renovation Committee where she helped design the pergola and fire pit social point in front of Holter Hall. Brady also helped secure the new Disc Golf course at the walking trail on campus. Brady was honored as a SOEA Outstanding Local Leader. She served as a Panhandle State representative traveling to the Higher Education Day at the State Capital.

Brady completed her coursework in the fall of 2017 magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

She said her favorite thing about school is “the sense of family and community. Every teacher is concerned for your well-being and care to know your background. They know your goals and are willing to do anything they can to help you succeed.”

“I have been given endless opportunities during my time at Panhandle. I have been able to take on more responsibility and leadership. Working with a variety of people and skills has done wonders in helping me prepare for the future.”

Brady’s immediate future plans include working for the Iowa State Extension as a youth educator this summer. She will be teaching several different camps to various ages. As for the fall, Brady plans to teach in Iowa and study for a master’s degree in Youth Development through Iowa State within the next few years.

She and her husband and fellow Panhandle State Class of 2018 graduate Ben Brady currently live in Marcus, Iowa.

On behalf of the Sewell family, Brady was presented with a gold watch, symbolic of her recognition as the J.R.P. Sewell Outstanding Graduate.

The J.R.P. Sewell Award was established in 1949 in memory of the late J.R.P. Sewell. A former Texas banker and civic worker, Mr. Sewell was instrumental in establishing and organizing the Panhandle Agricultural Institute, now known as Oklahoma Panhandle State University, in Goodwell.

This award was established to promote and honor scholarship, leadership, and citizenship among students attending Panhandle State. Only those graduating seniors who have completed all of their coursework at Panhandle State and have a 3.0 cumulative GPA are eligible.