The Greatest Homecoming in the Nation made its way across CPS today! We kicked things off at Lantow Field with Roosa and Claremont, then headed to Catalayah, Westside, and finished the day at WRJH!
Cheer, band, football, dance, Spirit Squad, athletic trainers, Homecoming Reps, and Court brought the HOCO energy to our younger Zebras. At every stop, each grade had the chance to get LOUD and battle it out for the coveted Spirit Stick! 📣🔥
These tours are one of the traditions that make Homecoming so special. From our elementary students to our seniors, it’s a chance to bring Zebras together, share our school spirit, and give our younger students a glimpse of the traditions they’ll one day get to carry on.
Tomorrow, it’s CHS’s turn, and we’ve got a FULL day of HOCO ahead!
📣 CHS Homecoming Assembly | 12:20 PM
🦓 Homecoming Parade | 3:15 PM
👑 Coronation | 6:30 PM
🏈 Claremore vs. Tulsa Hale | 7:00 PM
Come see who will be crowned our 2026 Homecoming King and Queen, then pack Lantow Field and cheer our Zebras on to a HOMEcoming win! 🦓🏈❤️
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming



ZEBRAS, IT’S TIME TO COME HOME. 🦓
Look closely. You might just see yourself.
These photos hold homecoming memories from 2018 to 2024, but they represent generations of Zebras who have filled these halls, cheered from the stands, played under the lights, and called Claremore home.
Tomorrow night, we get to do it all again.
Homecoming is about coming back, seeing old friends, remembering the moments that made your time here special, and knowing that no matter how many years have passed, you will always be a Zebra.
So, Zebras, come home tomorrow night. ❤️
👑 Coronation | 6:30 PM
🏈 Homecoming football to follow at Lantow Field
Once a Zebra. Always a Zebra. Welcome home. 🦓❤️🤍
#CPSZebraPride #HoCo2026



These Zebras round out the incredible group selected to represent the Greatest Homecoming in the Nation and one of Claremore’s most treasured traditions.
🦓 Devin Lwenya Ovamba Odanga
Representing: Speech and Debate
Other activities: Robotics, STUCO, Young Dems, Drama Club, Academic Bowl, and Dead Poets Society
Future plans: “Study engineering at a university.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The community and friendship of my fellow Zebras.”
🦓 Lily Seman
Representing: Baseball
Other activities: Welding Tech
Future plans: “Continue my career in welding, attend OSU to earn a degree in business, and eventually own and operate my own welding company.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The community and people who surround me and help me grow into the person I’m striving to be, along with the opportunities to build my abilities and prepare for my future.”
The Court is set. Now it’s time for Homecoming! 👑🦓
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming


These Zebras have been selected to represent the Greatest Homecoming in the Nation and one of Claremore’s most treasured traditions.
🦓 Ava Tanner
Representing: Volleyball
Other activities: Biomed and FCA
Future plans: “Attend college and pursue a career in the medical field, getting the training needed to work in healthcare.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Spending time with my friends, whether it’s at school, at games, or just hanging out. Being a Zebra brought me some of the most important people in my life, and I’m grateful for all the memories I’ve made here.”
🦓 Luke Wickham
Representing: Tennis
Other activities: NHS and FCA
Future plans: “Attend college and play tennis while majoring in business and kinesiology, with the long-term goal of working in medical sales.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The deep friendships and community at CHS.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming


Mrs. McLaughlin is joining Claremont Elementary as a K-2 Autism Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Northeastern State University and continued her education in Early Childhood Education.
When asked why she chose CPS, Mrs. McLaughlin shared, “It is like coming back home. I graduated from Claremore and loved how supported I was, and I want my kids to have the same experience.”
Mrs. McLaughlin has experience teaching Kindergarten, Pre-K Dual Language, first grade, and Special Education, and she is excited to return to the district she once called home.
Her greatest motivation comes from both her children and her students. She wants them to develop a love for learning and feel supported along the way, believing that “all it takes is one person to push them and believe in them.”
In her free time, Mrs. McLaughlin enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Kasey, have two daughters, Evelyn, a second grader, and Eleanor, who is in Pre-K. Their family also includes a dog named Copper. 🐶
And here's a fun fact: Mrs. McLaughlin can write her name with both hands at the same time! ✍️
A proud Claremore graduate from the Class of 2008, Mrs. McLaughlin also cheered in high school and was part of a state championship team during her sophomore year. 📣🏆
Welcome back to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Melanie McLaughlin! 💜🦓 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

One more home court celebration for our seniors! The Lady Zebras take on Catoosa as we recognize the seniors who have represented Claremore Volleyball. Come pack the gym and help us celebrate them!
📅 Thursday, September 24
🆚 Catoosa
🕐 4:00 PM
📍 Home
🎓 Senior Night
📺 CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE GYM? WATCH LIVE ON ZTV!
🔗 https://youtube.com/live/1OJZpY671M8?feature=share
🔥 Celebrate our seniors. Protect the home court. Let’s go, Zebras!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraVolleyball

These Zebras have been selected to represent the Greatest Homecoming in the Nation and one of Claremore’s most treasured traditions.
🦓 Jax Van Valkenburg
Representing: Baseball
Other activities: Christian Club, Student Council, and NHS
Future plans: “Attend Arizona State University to play Division I baseball, then become a professional baseball player.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The brotherhood we have with our baseball team.”
🦓 Addison Reavis
Representing: Softball
Other activities: Basketball, Track, FCA, Christian Club, NASA, and STUCO
Future plans: “Play college softball.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Being involved in sports and the family I’ve made through them, as well as the community and school spirit.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming


These Zebras have been selected to represent the Greatest Homecoming in the Nation and one of Claremore’s most treasured traditions.
🦓 Emma Easton
Representing: Biomed
Other activities: Soccer, STUCO, and FCA
Future plans: “Attend Pittsburg State to play soccer and become a physical therapist.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The culture and our school spirit! I’ve been a Zebra since birth.”
🦓 Jahiem Ewen
Representing: Football
Other activities: FCA and Track
Future plans: “Play college football while pursuing a degree in business.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The involvement and pride shown within this community.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming


Mrs. Smith is joining Will Rogers Junior High as a Special Education Teacher. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy.
When asked why she chose teaching, she shared, “I became a teacher because I know what it feels like to be underestimated.” Mrs. Smith wants to be the teacher she needed growing up—someone who sees strengths before shortcomings and helps students recognize that their future is not already decided.
She chose CPS after hearing great things from teachers who previously worked here and connecting with Mr. Mudd in HR. She also appreciates the warm, welcoming community and the way CPS prioritizes relationships between staff, families, and the community.
Mrs. Smith enjoys:
📚: Dreamcatcher by Stephen King
🎬: Good Sam
🍿: Popcorn (except spicy or sour flavors!)
🍫: Midnight Milky Way or Mounds
🥤: Water or sweet tea
🌿: Green
🏝️: Bahamas or Hawaii
🏀: OSU & OKC Thunder
In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, painting, making jewelry, and learning new instruments. She plays the flute and piccolo and is currently learning guitar and trumpet! 🎶
Mrs. Smith is a proud mom of three and has a medium-sized dog named Jack. 🐶 She also loves helping groups stay organized and finding ways to make things run more efficiently.
She has been named to the Dean’s List several times and received a grant that helped provide funding for a SPED kitchen designed to teach students valuable life and job skills.
And here's a fun fact: Mrs. Smith is a first-generation college graduate and has earned two degrees, while currently working toward her third!
A graduate of Antlers High School's Class of 2003, she was a member of the Pride of Antlers Marching and Concert Bands, earned the Director's Award as a senior, and held first chair for four years. 🎺
Her favorite quote is: “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.” — Mark Twain
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Tina Smith! 🦓💚 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Congratulations to Zebra Cheer on earning their spot at the OSSAA State Cheer Competition! ❤️🤍
Now it’s time for the Zebra faithful to show up and cheer THEM on! Mark your calendars and make plans to be in Bethany, OK as our Zebras take the mat at STATE!
📅 State Cheer Competition
📍 Southern Nazarene University | Sawyer Center
⏰ Zebras perform at 3:45 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $12.55 online | $14 at the gate
⚠️ Clear bags only
Let’s fill the stands with RED & WHITE and make sure they hear us! 📣🔥
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraCheer #StateBound




Congratulations to Claremore High School senior Beckett Schmidt, who has been named a 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist! 👏
Beckett is among more than 16,000 academically talented high school seniors nationwide selected as Semifinalists and now has the opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships.
This recognition reflects years of hard work, academic dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
Congratulations, Beckett! Your Zebra family is proud to celebrate this incredible achievement with you! ❤️🤍
#CPSZebraPride #NationalMerit #WeAreTheChange

Last Friday, our CYFA football players and cheerleaders joined us on the field at Lantow for CYFA Night!
From the littlest Zebras to the ones they’ll one day be cheering for and playing alongside, it was pretty special to see the future of our programs under the Friday night lights. ❤️🤍
Keep working, keep cheering, and keep dreaming big, future Zebras. Your Friday nights are coming!
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraFootball










These Zebras have been selected to represent the Greatest Homecoming in the Nation and one of Claremore’s most treasured traditions.
🦓 Graham Williams
Representing: FCA
Other activities: Football and Track
Future plans: “Become a firefighter.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The community.”
🦓 Janelle Claire Ripley
Representing: FCA
Other activities: Cheer and Biomed Club
Future plans: “Earn a degree in exercise science at OBU and become a physician assistant.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The close community and the lifelong friendships with classmates and teachers.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming


These Zebras have been selected to represent the Greatest Homecoming in the Nation and one of Claremore’s most treasured traditions.
🦓 Lauren Parham
Representing: Tennis
Other activities: Biomed Club, Red Army, NHS, Student Council, Chemistry Club, Christian Club, and FUZE
Future plans: “Attend Oklahoma State University and pursue a career in medicine, with a current interest in neurology. I’d also love to take time to explore the beautiful earth God gave us!”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The sense of community, supporting our teams, making memories with friends, and all the opportunities Claremore provides. I feel connected, supported, and proud to be part of something big. ROLL ZEBS!!!!!”
🦓 Ethan Boyd
Representing: Native American Club
Other activities: Wrestling, Cross Country, NHS, and Biomed Club
Future plans: “Become an orthopedic surgeon.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The family bond you make through sports and the friends you make.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming


Mrs. Pinkston is joining Catalayah Elementary as a Kindergarten Teacher. She earned her degree in Science from Cameron University and is certified in Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
Mrs. Pinkston’s journey to teaching took several turns, from working in daycare and as a CNA and lifeguard to discovering her love for education while working at a preschool in Owasso.
When asked why she chose teaching, she shared, “My ‘why’ for teaching is to create a classroom where every student feels loved, valued, and like they belong. I want every student to leave my classroom feeling encouraged, capable, and knowing they matter!”
She chose CPS because of the community and welcoming environment. In fact, the first time she walked her daughter into Catalayah’s Rise and Shine, she knew it was her dream school!
Mrs. Pinkston enjoys:
📚: The Empyrean Series
🎬: Elf
🍎: Honeycrisp apples & peanut butter
🍬: Strawberry Sour Strips
🥤: White Monster Zero or Berry Propel
🌿: Sage green
🏖️: Cruises & the beach
In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, working out, baking, DIY projects, and playing games with her family. Her chocolate chip cookies are especially famous! 🍪
Mrs. Pinkston and her husband, Corbin, a Claremore alum and member of the U.S. National Guard, have been married for eight years. They have two daughters who attend Catalayah—Kaylyn, a 2nd grader, and Adalynn, a 1st grader. Fun fact: they are only 10 months apart! Their family also includes Oakley, their Golden Retriever. 🐶
Mrs. Pinkston was a Presidents Honor Roll and Dean’s Honor Roll student throughout college and has completed several half marathons just for fun!
Her favorite quote is: “If you can't make a mistake, you can't make anything.”
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Rachel Pinkston! 🦓💚 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

🏐 ZEBRA VOLLEYBALL | GAME WEEK 🦓
Three matchups. One big week. The Lady Zebras defend home court twice before heading north for tournament action in Missouri!
📅 Tuesday, September 22
🆚 Collinsville
🕐 4:00 PM
📍 Home (Hawaiian Night)
📅 Thursday, September 24
🆚 Catoosa
🕐 4:00 PM
📍 Home (Senior Night)
📅 Saturday, September 26
🏆 Carl Junction Tournament
🕐 9:00 AM
📍 Carl Junction, MO
🔥 Pack the gym. Bring the energy. Let’s go, Zebras!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraVolleyball

🥎 ZEBRA SOFTBALL | RIVALRY WEEK 🦓
It’s rivalry week! The Lady Zebras take on Pryor twice this week—first on the road, then back home. Let’s show up and back our Zebras!
📅 Tuesday, September 22
🆚 Pryor
🕐 5:00 PM
📍 Away
📅 Thursday, September 24
🆚 Pryor
🕐 5:00 PM
📍 Home (Cancer Awareness)
🔥 BEAT PRYOR!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraSoftball

These Zebras have been selected to represent the Greatest Homecoming in the Nation and one of Claremore’s most treasured traditions.
🦓 Furious Poole
Representing: Track
Other activities: Football, FCA, and Jesus Club
Future plans: “Attend college and become a sports psychologist or an electrician.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Being able to tell people my school’s mascot is a red and white Zebra.”
🦓 Katara Wyrick
Representing: Book Club
Other activities: Cheer, Jesus Club, FCA, and STUCO
Future plans: “Attend Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, major in criminology and justice studies, and become a homicide detective.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “I love the community and the people and friends I’ve made during my time here. I’m thankful for every opportunity I’ve been given at this school.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming


These Zebras have been selected to represent the Greatest Homecoming in the Nation and one of Claremore’s most treasured traditions.
Meet your 2026 Claremore High School Homecoming Court!
🦓 Riley Fay
Representing: Student Council
Other activities: Softball, NHS, Jesus Club, and FCA
Future plans: “Attend Oklahoma Baptist University, major in nursing, and minor in ministry.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The community I grew up around that turned into a family.”
🦓 Raul Perez
Representing: Student Council
Other activities: Wrestling, Football, FCA, and FUZE
Future plans: “Attend Oklahoma State University, major in applied exercise science, and become a strength and conditioning coach or personal trainer.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Meeting new people and creating new connections. Being involved in sports and organizations gives me opportunities to learn important life skills and create strong bonds.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming


Mr. Hudgens is joining Will Rogers Junior High as a 6th Grade Physical Education Teacher, while also serving as an Assistant Softball and Assistant Baseball Coach. He earned his degree in Physical Education from Southwestern Christian University.
When asked why he chose teaching, he shared, “Relationships and impact!”
Mr. Hudgens chose CPS because of the community, school values, and Claremore tradition. What he likes most about CPS? The people! From coworkers to students, he has already enjoyed being part of the Zebra family.
Mr. Hudgens enjoys:
🎬: The Sandlot
⚾: St. Louis Cardinals & Boomer Sooner
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family and golfing.
And here's a fun fact: wasps are his biggest fear! 🐝😳
Mr. Hudgens is also a former college baseball player, playing at Carl Albert State College in Poteau and Southwestern Christian University in Bethany.
His favorite quote is: “No matter how stressed you are, remember how blessed you are!”
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mr. Trevor Hudgens! 🦓💙 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

