Blackwell Schools honor Buesing and Haskins on last day celebration

by Charles Gerian

Blackwell Public Schools wrapped up its 2020-2021 school year May 20, with a small reception taking place in the Blackwell High School Study Center to honor the district’s teachers, faculty and staff. Among the honorees were Blackwell’s Elementary Teacher of the Year, Lori Buesing, and Secondary/District Teacher of the Year, Amy Haskins.

Haskins will compete for the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Award in August. Buesing said she is “honored and humbled” by the recognition. Born and raised in Blackwell by Gerald and Anita Craig, Buesing said she is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Kenny. They have two daughters.

Buesing earned her associate degree from Northern Oklahoma College and then transferred to Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1995 with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education and early childhood education. She has taught for 25 years in Blackwell, where she’s spent her entire teaching career. Buesing taught first grade before moving to kindergarten after the closure of Parkside Elementary. “I am proud to be a teacher in Blackwell,” she said. Haskins graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a degree in music business.

This is her 11th year teaching secondary math, with seven years at Rush Springs High School before she moved to teach in Blackwell. She also serves as a National Honor Society sponsor and coaches the academic team at BHS. Haskins and her husband – Shawn Haskins, the school superintendent – have two daughters and attend the First Christian Church of Blackwell. Also recognized at the ceremony were retiring district employees Michelle Burnett, Ruth Ann Lenz and Shara Bookout.