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

These students represent the clubs, organizations, and sports that make CHS a great place to be a Zebra.
🦓 Addison Duvall
Representing: Athletic Training
Other activities: Biomed, STUCO, and FFA
Future plans: “Attend OSU and study orthopedics in the medical field.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The opportunities and connections. Teachers’ advocacy and encouragement help students feel confident and comfortable.”
🦓 Marley White
Representing: Native American Student Association
Other activities: Golf, Biomed Club, FUZE, and Young Democrats
Future plans: “Go to college to pursue a career in science.”
Favorite part: “Making new memories with my friends and spending time with my favorite coach, the GOAT, Coach Hughes!”
🦓 Jaycee Wilson
Representing: SADD
Future plans: “Continue working with kids and become a pre-K teacher or nanny.”
Favorite part: “Our school spirit, fun spirit weeks, opportunities, and the friendships I’ve made.”
🦓 Mia Linares
Representing: World Language Club
Other activities: FUZE, Christian Club, and Young Democrats
Future plans: “Go to college and major in biomedical engineering.”
Favorite part: “The friendships, school spirit, and memories that make high school so special.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming




These students represent the clubs, organizations, and sports that make CHS a great place to be a Zebra.
🦓 Clement Kangwa Cloud
Representing: ROTC
Other activities: ROTC and Tech
Future plans: “Join the U.S. Navy.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Being able to leave for Tech.”
🦓 Jaci Charles
Representing: Claremore NJROTC
Future plans: “Get into the medical field and pursue a career helping people.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The school spirit and opportunities to be involved in the community.”
🦓 Kaylee Smith
Representing: SAGA
Other activities: Improv, Drama Club, Choir, ZTV, and NASA
Future plans: “Travel for a couple of years, then attend college for psychology with hopes of becoming an art therapist for neurodivergent children and teens.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “The family I’ve formed through different organizations, the safe space SAGA provides, and the self-expression I’ve explored through Drama Club. I also love our community and school spirit.”
🦓 Sage Abshire
Representing: SAGA
Other activities: Improv, Drama Club, Art Club, Show Choir, and Jazz Choir
Future plans: “Build a better understanding of music.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Being able to be in so many clubs and organizations with my friends.”
🦓 Allee Crooks
Representing: Art Club
Other activities: Dead Poets Society
Future plans: “Be an artist or work in the medical field.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Being given the privilege to expand and grow as an artist.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming





Zebra Cheer is hitting the mat this Saturday for REGIONALS!
They’ve put in the hours, sharpened every stunt, and brought the energy. Now it’s time to leave it all on the mat! ❤️🤍
📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ Time: TBD
📍 Stroud Junior High
Let’s go, Zebra Cheer! MAKE. IT. COUNT. 📣🦓
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraCheer #WeAreTheChange

Our Zebras are headed to the Broken Arrow Invitational!
📍 @ Broken Arrow High School
📅 Saturday, September 19th
⏰ Performance – 7:45 PM
🎟 Tickets: $15 all-day access (5 and under free)
Let’s pack the stands, cheer loud, and show that #CPSZebraPride is on the road!
📌 Disclaimer: This graphic is the property of Claremore Public Schools and may not be altered, redistributed, or used on other accounts. Please share only directly from the official Claremore Public Schools platform.

🏈 NO GAME THIS FRIDAY, SO LET’S RUN IT BACK! 🦓
Last Friday night at Lantow was about more than football!
🏈📣 Our CYFA football players and cheerleaders took the field and gave us a look at the future of Zebra Football.
🍎 We celebrated TTCU Teacher of the Game Malarie Golbek for the impact she makes in the classroom.
🇺🇸 Military members joined Claremore and Muskogee NJROTC on the field for the Presentation of the Colors.
From our future Zebras to those who teach, serve, and lead, it was a Friday night full of reasons to be proud of our community.
Enjoy the bye week, Zebras. Next Friday, we’re back at Lantow for HOMECOMING! 🔥👑
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraFootball #WeAreTheChange










These students represent the clubs, organizations, and sports that make CHS a great place to be a Zebra.
🦓 Emmalynn Roberts
Representing: Wrestling
Other activities: National Honor Society and Biomed Club
Future plans: “Become a pediatric nurse and help children feel at home and feel better.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Wrestling. It’s a second home for me and has given me the strength and courage to always keep going.”
🦓 Ashton Darnell
Representing: Wrestling
Other activities: Baseball
Future plans: “Go to trade school and become a lineman.”
Favorite part: “The people around the community.”
🦓 Elissa Holcomb
Representing: Improv
Future plans: “Go to college for psychology and nursing, then move to Oregon.”
Favorite part: “The community.”
🦓 Michael Rogers
Representing: Improv Club
Other activities: Drama Club, Speech and Debate, One-Act Play, Winter Play, and Spring Musical
Future plans: “Attend acting college and pursue a career in acting and voice acting while staying involved in the improv community.”
Favorite part: “The communities that surround me and the acting groups that allow me to grow while surrounding me with great people.”
🦓 Marlissa Basks
Representing: Speech and Debate
Other activities: CHS Choir, Drama Club, and Improv
Future plans: “Earn a license in aesthetics.”
Favorite part: “The connections I have made with my classmates, teachers, and community.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming





Mrs. Griffin is joining Claremore High School as a Spanish 1 Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication/Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Spanish from the University of South Alabama.
Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Griffin worked in TV news for 10 years before spending five years as a paraprofessional at Catalayah Elementary. Her experience as a para inspired her to pursue a career in the classroom.
When asked why she chose teaching, she shared, “Teaching is about so much more than classroom work. It is about loving these children and meeting them right where they are at. It is taking their hand on a hard day and saying, ‘I will help you through it.’”
Mrs. Griffin chose CPS because this is home. Her family lives here and her children attend CPS. She also loves how becoming part of a school means becoming part of a family, where everyone rallies around each other.
Mrs. Griffin enjoys:
📚: The Divergent Series & The Hunger Games
🎬: The Proposal & Sweet Home Alabama
🧀: Cheese Balls
🍫: Lindt Lindor Dark Chocolate
🥤: Dr Pepper
🌈: Turquoise
📍: The Black Hills of South Dakota
🏈: Alabama Crimson Tide
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, photography, spending time outdoors, and cheering on her kids at their sporting events. She has visited 30 states and several countries. She also plays clarinet with the Claremore Civic Band and volunteers in her church's media department.
Mrs. Griffin and her husband, Jeff, have been married for 14 years. Their family includes Madelyn, a 4th grader at Catalayah; Ethan, a 7th grader at WRJH; Samantha, a law student at the University of Tulsa; and Tyler, a junior at Oral Roberts University. They also have a Labradoodle named Koda. 🐶
And here's a fun fact: Mrs. Griffin is a breast cancer survivor! 💗
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Nicole Griffin! 🦓💙 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

Happy ZEBRA FRIDAY!
#CPSZebraPride










Rivalry race! The Zebras hit the road and head to Pryor this week. Time to set the pace and compete!
📅 Friday, September 18
🏁 Pryor
🕐 8:00 AM
📍 Pryor
🔥 BEAT PRYOR!
#CPSZebraPride | #ZebraXC

Our Patriot Day Assembly brought our community together to remember September 11 and honor those who have served and sacrificed.
As we share a few more moments from the morning, we want to once again thank the veterans and first responders who joined us, our CHS NJROTC for making the event possible, and our community for showing up in support.
We remember. We honor. We never forget.
#PatriotDay #NeverForget #CPSZebraPride










These students represent the clubs, organizations, and sports that make CHS a great place to be a Zebra.
🦓 Tristan James Fuller
Representing: Golf Team
Other activities: STUCO
Future plans: “Start in real estate and become a firefighter.”
Favorite part of being a Zebra: “Being part of the golf team, learning so many things about myself, and the opportunities being a Zebra can bring.”
🦓 Victoria Leal
Representing: Girls Golf
Other activities: Biomed Club and FCA
Future plans: “Attend college to study science and become an orthodontist.”
Favorite part: “The relationships I’ve made with teachers and coaches. Shout out to Coach Hughes!”
🦓 Jesus Cano-Zavala
Representing: Choir
Other activities: Jesus Club and Theatre
Future plans: “Go to college for theology and eventually work in ministry.”
Favorite part: “The amazing relationships I’ve built throughout Claremore Public Schools and the fine arts.”
🦓 Nix Berglund
Representing: Choir
Other activities: Art Club, Improv, Dead Poets Society, Drama, Spring Musicals, Fall Plays, and FUZE
Future plans: “Attend TCC and earn an associate degree in music production, then pursue a career in the music industry.”
Favorite part: “No matter the ‘clique’ you may be a part of, Zebras will always come together and support each other.”
🦓 Keldan Wheeler
Representing: Swimming
Future plans: College.
Favorite part: “My friends.”
#CPSZebraPride #ZebraHomecoming





Mrs. Buchfink is joining Will Rogers Junior High as a 7th Grade Math Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northeastern State University and her Master of Education in Math Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She brings 18 years of experience from her previous school, along with a wealth of leadership experience in education.
When asked why she chose teaching, she shared, “I teach because learning changes lives. Every day in the classroom gives me the chance to help students grow.”
After 18 years at her previous school, Mrs. Buchfink was ready for a change and chose CPS because of the welcoming environment. She shared that everyone she has met has been so welcoming!
Mrs. Buchfink enjoys:
☕: Coffee or tea
🏈: Watching football
🏈: Denver Broncos
She has served as a grade-level chair multiple times and has taken on various committee roles throughout her career. She was also named Teacher of the Year at Oologah Upper Elementary in 2012 and is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
Mrs. Buchfink is a proud mom of three grown children, and she is especially excited to welcome her first grandchild in September! 👶💕
Her family also includes one dog and three cats. 🐶🐱
Welcome to the Claremore Zebra Dazzle, Mrs. Rebecca Buchfink! 🦓💙 #CPSZEBRAPRIDE

