Capitol Visitors

By Rep. Rick West

I had a lot of visitors at the Capitol last week. It was great.

First, I got to help recognize Virginia “Jenny” Oliver who has been teaching for 55 years, 50 of those at Pocola, where she graduated. What an incredible career. Sen. George Burns and I recognized her with a citation on the Senate floor.

You know, aside from a caring parent, there is no one more instrumental in a child’s life than a dedicated teacher. To meet someone like Mrs. Oliver who has poured her life into teaching the next generation was just outstanding. I’m so thankful for her dedication to the many, many kids who have come through her classroom.

On Tuesday, we held Ag Day at the Capitol. Raegan Ward, a forest regeneration specialist with Oklahoma Forestry Service, stopped by my office with a loblolly pine tree. With all the fires in our state this year, and all the efforts to get rid of invasive species, I appreciate Raegan’s work.

Also this week, I got to meet several students who are involved in 4-H who came up for 4-H Day at the Capitol. For nearly 120 years, 4-H has helped thousands of club members develop life skills such as leadership, decision-making, time management, and civic engagement.

I met with Balie Moore from Howe 4-H and GreenLee French, an eighth-grade 4-H member from Cameron. GreenLee’s grandpa runs a lot of cattle in LeFlore County, and GreenLee shows calves. It was great to meet these two young women and hear about their 4-H experience.

On Thursday, I recognized Garrett Finchum on the House floor. Garrett is a senior at Poteau High School and has been recognized by the Oklahoma Powerlifting Coaches Association as the 2025 Powerlifting State Champion for the 181 lb. weight class. He set the state record with a deadlift of 635 pounds in conjunction with his squat of 575 pounds and his bench of 355 pounds He also set the new state total weight record at 1,565 pounds after breaking his own state record of 1,535 pounds. In addition, he received the State Large School Heavyweight Division awards for Outstanding Squat, Outstanding Deadlift, and Outstanding Total Weight.

Garrett is not only strong. He’s smart. He has 4.0 grade point average and has been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll all four years of high school. He is a member of National Honor Society and has been accepted to Oklahoma Baptist University, receiving the Founder’s Academic Scholarship.

It was quite an honor to get to meet with all these fine folks last week. It makes up for so much else that’s going on at the Capitol. I’ll save all that news for the next column.

Remember to listen to my Capitol update on the radio at 7:35 a.m. every Thursday on KPRV.

As always, if I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.

 

Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.

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