Sequoyah Voting & Pizza Party

February 27, 2026

The Enid Public Library recently celebrated adult learners who completed the Excel Online High School program, a fully accredited online high school where students earn the same diploma as traditional schools through real courses, assignments, and exams on a flexible platform.

" Today, marks not only the completion of an academic program, but also the fulfillment of a commitment you made to yourselves and to your future,” Library Director Theri Ray said. “You undertook this journey with determination and resolve while balancing professional family and personal responsibilities. Your perseverance reflects strength of character and a dedication to lifelong growth that will serve you well in the years ahead."

Mayor of Enid and former educator David Mason, praised the graduates saying, "Earning a high school diploma as an adult is no small accomplishment. It requires discipline, sacrifice, and resilience. It represents a conscious choice to invest in yourself. These graduates remind us that learning does not have an expiration date, and that it is never too late to set a new goal or to rewrite a new chapter in your life. Their achievement sends a clear message to others who may be watching. Progress is always possible and opportunity is always within reach."

James and Keri Hoff, a married couple, were two 2025 graduates in attendance at the ceremony. “It feels good. It’s going to be the first step of many. I want to join the fire department. I don't know which fire department, but it is a passion of mine. So that would just be even more education and more classes,” James said. “So this is the first building block and you want to make sure you have a strong foundation. You got to get that foundation there before you start building.”

Both James and Keri praised and recommended the program. “It wasn't as hard as you think! Excel offers a lot of things. They do tutors, online or in person. It's really easy to get it done,” James said. “It's either this or GED so you might as well go and get the high school diploma instead of GED.”

For anyone considering returning to school, the Keri had simple advice. “Do it. Just do it. Get it done.” James added, “Just keep going. Stuff gets hard but speed bumps just realign you, you know? So just keep on going.”

Other graduates included Billie Leonard, Cameo Kingsbury, Jeffrey Thornton, and Kaitlan Thornton. While they were not present at the ceremony, their achievements are part of the program’s growing impact on the Enid community.

" Always remember, public libraries are here. and during centers of support and opportunity are always ready to serve as your partners in continued success," Ray said.

The Excel Online High School program, supported by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, provides adults in Garfield County with a flexible, accredited pathway to earning a high school diploma and advancing personal and professional goals.

For more information on the program, contact the library by phone at 580-234-6313, by email at publiclibrary@enid.org, by text at 580-670-2205, or visit enid.okpls.org to apply.

About the Enid Public Library:

The Enid Public Library is a vibrant community hub dedicated to providing free access to materials and services in a variety of formats while reflecting community standards to meet the informational and recreational needs of the community. The Library promotes freedom of thought, literacy, a love for reading, and lifelong learning