“It was eye-opening to hear,” Pryor High School senior John Whipple reflected. “It was a huge time in our nation’s history, and we are really close to it. Remembering what took place, how people responded, and how we can respond as a nation is a huge thing for our generation to uphold.”
On Tuesday, May 6, Pryor High School freshmen and student leaders gathered in the AVRA Performing Arts Center for a powerful assembly hosted by the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Pryor was chosen as the Mayes County stop on the Journey of Hope tour, which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.
The Journey of Hope is a statewide tour running from September 2024 through December 2025. It will visit all 77 Oklahoma counties, honoring the 168 lives lost on April 19, 1995, and highlighting the stories of those who survived and the lasting impact of that day. Freshmen were the focus of this event, as they were born more than a decade after the bombing, yet are part of the generation responsible for keeping its lessons alive.
Ronnie Fields shared his deeply personal story of loss and healing with Pryor students. Fields’ mother was killed in the bombing when the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was attacked. He spoke candidly about life without her, navigating grief, and ultimately, choosing forgiveness.
“Forgiveness doesn’t change the past, but it sets your future free,” he told students. He said that forgiveness isn't forgetting. It’s not saying what happened was okay. It’s not ignoring boundaries or continuing harmful relationships. Forgiveness is freedom.
Fields challenged Pryor students to carry that message forward. “I challenge you to be the peace and light in your community.”
Sophomore Cooper McCuistion was struck by the emotional weight of the presentation. “It was shocking just seeing how much it affected people. I knew it was a big deal, but I didn’t realize how much of an effect it had on all the people in our nation.”
In addition to sharing stories of tragedy and hope, presenters introduced students to the Oklahoma Standard, a statewide initiative born from the tragedy. Focused on Acts of Service, Honor, and Kindness, the Oklahoma Standard is now a nationally recognized movement dedicated to creating a culture of caring and resilient citizens. Leadership opportunities were presented for students who want to take a more active role in promoting these values in their school and community.
One way students can get involved is by participating in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon—a powerful tribute and community event that honors those affected by the bombing. For the past two years, Lincoln Elementary students have proudly represented the district by running the final mile in the Oklahoma City Kids Marathon. Other opportunities available are the Better Conversations program and the Teen Board leadership group.
Following the assembly, Pryor High School Leadership students took part in a special planting ceremony on the school’s front lawn. With help from Ryan, a 2019 PHS graduate now working with Oklahoma Forestry Services, students planted a sapling from the Survivor Tree—a nearly 100-year-old American elm that withstood the blast in Oklahoma City and has become a living symbol of resilience.
“This tree represents how we survived, how we keep thriving, and how we can make a difference,” said student leader John Whipple.
Pryor Creek Quality Lawncare helped prepare the planting site and will continue supporting the care of the tree—now a lasting symbol of remembrance and strength on campus.
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