Holly Hooper-Stover has watched students achieve academically, athletically, and musically during her time as a teacher. She values each student and works to nurture their individual skill. Stover teaches psychology and Senior Leadership at Elk City High School.
She believes no student activity is more important than another. “Whatever is important to the kid, whether that is basketball, band, or their state FFA degree, it is important to me. I’m in,” she says, “I love seeing the pride on a kid’s face when they reach their goals.”
Her goal is to guide, more than lecture. “I want them to learn something that will make their lives better through adulthood. I want them to feel good about themselves and be kind to others. Also, if I can make just one kid become an OU fan or appreciate ‘The Office’, I feel like I have done something right,” she laughs.
Student athletes represent their school best by how they act when they lose or when no one is looking. “I don’t care how much they win. If they are not kind people who lift others up around them, it means nothing to me. Luckily, we have some really good young men and women at ECHS. They are athletically gifted, and good humans.
“I enjoy watching student athletes work together for a common goal. Sports can teach kids many life lessons if they will use it through adulthood,” she said.
There are three big lessons Stover learned from students. “Never underestimate the effect a simple act of kindness can have on another person’s life. Not everything is about winning or losing,” and lastly, she says, “kids notice your shoes far more than you realize.”
Her husband, Dr. Shiloah Stover, is a local chiropractor. They have two sons, Hooper, a junior and Boston, an eighth grader. The Stover family is active in the First Baptist Church of Elk City “We love following our boys around as they participate in their various activities. We are proud to be in the Brown and White!” she exclaimed.
