Jim Priest is CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma and can be reached at jpriest@okgoodwill.org. I have often thought to myself “Life is a series of adjustments.” Usually spoken internally when things were not turning out the way I’d hoped or planned, I have tried to console myself with the not-so-comforting thought that adjustment is just part of life.

Our family is celebrating my father’s 90 birthday this month. In addition to being a milestone birthday, this occasion allows our family and friends the opportunity to re-live a lot of memories and share life experiences. My father is among a dwindling group of people who have first-hand memories of the Great Depression and World War II. The generation that lived through those historic events has been accurately called the Greatest Generation.

Scott Allen Stafford passed away Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at his home in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 53. Scott was born February 11, 1968 in Oklahoma City to Billy Lee Stafford and Joyce (McDonald) Stafford.

V.L. Watters age 84 departed this life on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at his home in Sasakwa, Oklahoma. He was born November 30, 1936 in Sasakwa to the late William Jackson Watters and Ivy Augusta Hailey Watters. He attended Rocky Point, Culley and Sasakwa Schools.

Gary Clayton LaValley was born September 13, 1940, to Clinton and Lula (Brandon) LaValley, at the Benedict School Teacherage on the Seminole/Hughes County line. Gary passed from this life October 23, 2021, in his home.

Holdenville High School Cheerleader, Samantha Eckles competed in the OSSAA regional Cheer competition last week and was chosen as the top cheerleader in the region. Samantha’s performance will allow her to advance to the state competition which will be held at Washington High School on Thursday.

The Wolverines will travel to Del City this Friday to face off with the Christian Heritage Crusaders for another important district match-up. The Crusaders are 3-5 on the season and are fresh off a 48-13 win over Crooked Oak Christian Heritage is located at 4400 SE 27th in Del City.

Holdenville traveled to Washington this past week and the Warriors demonstrated why they are one of the best teams in the state. Washington was the preseason pick to win the district and they are presently undefeated in district play. Washington scored early and often and they certainly took advantage of a Wolverine team that was playing without several of their main players.

Alexis Young is the Holdenville News Scholar Athlete of the week. Alexis is a member of the Wolverine cheerleader squad and carries a perfect straight A average!.

Samantha Eckles is this week’s Wolverine of the week! Sam was chosen as the top cheerleader in the regional competition and will now move on to all state tryouts! The Holdenville News Wolverine of the week is Isaiah Buck. Isaiah was chosen because of his tremendous hustle in the Wolverines’ game at Washington..