Most parents want their children to grow up and become successful at whatever they decide to pursue. While their pursuits may lead them down different paths, Rhonda Garrison says that having a good balance as a student can make a big difference. 

“As an English teacher, I, of course, believe that school is very important,” she said. “However, I believe outside activities are equally important to create a well-rounded individual. My children were involved in sports, school leadership, and the arts, and I know that they have benefitted from their outside interests and activities as much as their education. I think prioritizing is one of the most important skills the kids learn when they are busy. Being in activities such as athletics and dance, which require a daily commitment, requires a student to be organized and aware of expectations at all times. It helps them to focus on their goals and work toward maintaining those goals. A young person cannot be truly successful in his or her sport without also being successful in the classroom.”

Rhonda and her husband Robert have three children that they are very proud of. 

“Nick and his wife Hannah have a one-year-old baby, Willow,” she said. “Chase is a physical therapist in Washington and Bethany is a senior at University of Central Oklahoma. Nick and Bethany were track and cross country runners in high school and college. Chase played baseball, tennis, and football in high school.”

Being a teacher and a citizen of Altus, Garrison says that she loves what her community offers to the youth in the community.

“I love that Altus is always so supportive of its young people,” she stated. “No matter what our students need, we can depend on the citizens of the community to provide it. They have wholeheartedly supported the MAPS project and a bond issue to help our schools fund new buildings and buses. And when we travel to other cities for ball games, track meets, etc., we often find more Altus fans in the stands than the local fans. Our kids never feel that they are not supported by their hometown.”