The Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) Foundation sends this information as posted below:
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Sam and Charolet Shirley Outstanding Principal Awards, recognizing exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication and meaningful community engagement at the elementary and secondary levels.
The Outstanding Principal Awards were established by Natalie Shirley in 2018 in honor of her parents, Sam and Charolet Shirley, both lifelong champions of education. Inspired by their example, Natalie has devoted her career to advancing education in Oklahoma, including serving as president of OSU-OKC, Oklahoma secretary of education and workforce and is finishing her term on the OU Board of Regents
“Naming this award after my parents was a way to honor their belief in the power of public education and strong school leadership,” said Natalie Shirley. “Mr. Lisenby and Dr. Killam exemplify the values my parents lived by—integrity, hard work and the ability to make a lasting impact in students’ lives.”
This year’s honorees are:
- Michael Lisenby, Principal at Ridgeview Elementary
- Dr. Sunie Killam, Principal at Northwest Classen High School
“These honorees embody what it means to lead with both vision and heart,” said Kendra Horn, President and CEO of the OKCPS Foundation. “Their commitment to academic growth, positive school culture and community partnerships has transformed their campuses and inspired those around them.”
Michael Lisenby – Ridgeview Elementary
With more than 13 years at Ridgeview and over two decades in OKCPS, Michael Lisenby is known for his hands-on leadership style, deep rooted community ties and unwavering focus on student achievement. Under his guidance, Ridgeview’s state report card improved dramatically, from a “D” to a “B”, while maintaining Model School status through the Great Expectations program for 15 consecutive years.
Lisenby has cultivated long-standing partnerships with organizations like Love’s Travel Stops and local faith groups, expanded support programs for English learners and gifted learners and built a culture of stability, boasting exceptional staff retention and longevity.
“Michael doesn’t just manage a school, he inspires a movement,” said Natalie Johnson-Papageorge, Principal Supervisor and nominator. “He’s a leader who walks the walk, mentors others and builds lasting community trust.”
Dr. Sunie Killam – Northwest Classen High School
In her nearly 10 years at OKCPS, Dr. Killam has led Northwest Classen through extraordinary transformation. Her data-driven, student-first approach has yielded strong academic gains: improved ACT performance, a 1% boost in AP participation and pass rates and a significant increase in ReadOKC Reading Challenge minutes.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Killam has built a thriving culture by fostering trust, reducing referrals and engaging over 50 community partners. She leads with empathy, celebrates every voice and empowers her team through collaborative professional learning.
“Dr. Killam’s leadership is bold, inclusive, and deeply personal,” said Christopher Gardner, Principal Supervisor and nominator. “She not only turned the tide academically, she changed the spirit of the school.”
Both principals will be recognized at the Stars of Education Awards on May 8 at the Yale Theater in Historic Capitol Hill, along with the announcement of the 2025 OKCPS Teacher of the Year and other honorees. Doors will open at 4 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages served before the event starts at 5 p.m. Each winner will receive a $5,000 personal award and a $1,000 grant to support a project on their campus.
“At Oklahoma City Public Schools, we believe strong leadership changes lives and Mr. Michael Lisenby and Dr. Sunie Killam are shining examples of that belief in action,” said OKCPS Superintendent Dr. Jamie Polk. “Their commitment to building relationships, raising expectations and making every student feel seen and valued reflects the heart of who we are as a district. We are proud to celebrate their extraordinary leadership and the difference they make every day for our students, families and community. Congratulations to our Outstanding Principal Award winners!”
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