By Derrick Smith

Parents have a lot of things to think about when they have kids that reach school age. They have to consider the education that their child will receive and also the community as a whole and if there is support for the school. Bonnie Dudgeon has two kids in Stillwater Public Schools, and she says that the atmosphere around the school and community is outstanding. 

“I love the unity in the school and throughout the community of Stillwater,” she said. “There is so much generous support that is given to the student athletes. I have to say we also have the best athletic director in Tucker Barnard. He gives one hundred percent to the students and parents.”

Bonnie is a graduate of Stillwater High School. When she was a kid, she says that her mother made sure she was involved in something.

“Growing up, my mom signed us up for every kind of sport, whether we wanted to play or not,” she said jokingly. “I participated in tennis, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, cheer, soccer, and softball.”

Now that she has kids of her own, Dudgeon’s kids are involved in different sports of their own.

“Elle is a senior at Stillwater High School,” she said. “She is a flyer on the high school cheer squad. Ethan is a freshman at Stillwater Junior High. He plays football, golf, and basketball.”

Sports is important in a child’s development and growth and that is why Bonnie enjoys her kids participating.

“I believe being a part of the team is a steppingstone for life,” she said. “It gives them self-confidence, competitive edge social skills, self-discipline, and the ability to deal with emotions whether you win or lose.”

While she wants her kids to be involved and do their best, when it all boils down, she is always there to support them and cheer them on. 

“I’m just crazy about my kids,” she said. “I am their biggest fan. I want them to always feel supported and loved. We attend all games and events to show our support to our children. We also get them involved in activities outside of school such as competitive cheer at Tribe Cheer Moore. We have coached many of their sports teams growing up.”