PRYOR, Oklahoma – This fall, Pryor Public Schools marked a decade of its free Tiger Pride after‑school program, a seasonal series of clubs that gives students in grades three through eight the chance to try activities they might never otherwise experience.
Seasonal clubs bring new skills and confidence
Each year the program runs four six‑ to eight‑week sessions, rotating activities to match the seasons. In the recent fall session, students spent a day at New Life Ranch where they rode horses, fished, paddled canoes, learned outdoor skills, ran obstacle courses and roasted s’mores. A partnership with the Cherokee Nation added storytelling and traditional stickball, exposing participants to local heritage.
Transportation to the ranch is provided by the district, removing a major barrier for families. “And maybe they’re not great at some of the things they do at school, but they’re awesome at riding a horse,” said Laura Holloway, the program’s creator and director. Holloway emphasized that the clubs help children discover strengths beyond the classroom and bring those experiences back to their peers.
Enrollment and community impact
On average, each rotation serves nearly 200 third‑through‑fifth graders and about 150 sixth‑through‑eighth graders. While individual clubs have limited spots and can fill quickly, Holloway assures that every child who enrolls finds a place in the program.
Students such as Sloan and Piper enjoy the horse club for its calming routine of caring for and riding the animals, describing it as a stress‑relief outlet. Parent Drew Clark praised the program for giving her daughters opportunities ranging from horseback riding to art, crochet, skating and drone piloting. “I love to see how happy they are when they come home,” Clark said, noting that the kids return with stories and sometimes teach her something new.
Teachers see broader benefits
Rebecca Cowan, an early‑childhood teacher at Roosevelt Elementary who assists with the clubs, highlighted the program’s role in fostering friendships across schools, which she hopes will smooth the transition to junior high. She also stressed the importance of adult mentors, saying, “Just having another adult in your corner, one that’s responsible and that loves them, is someone to cheer them on in life.”
Community partners, including New Life Ranch and the Cherokee Nation, are credited with making these experiences possible. For many families, the program offers a safe, structured environment after the school day ends, reinforcing the district’s commitment to holistic education.
Looking ahead
As Tiger Pride enters its second decade, the district plans to continue expanding club options and maintaining transportation support, ensuring that every Pryor child can explore new interests, build confidence and develop lasting relationships.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
