BK Science Teacher Amour Beals Completes National Science Leadership Program

September 6, 2024

Ms. Beals was one of 38 hand-selected elite science educators invited to participate in the Teacher Leader Community program from the Nourish the Future initiative.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024: An elite group of hand-selected science educators from across the country recently culminated their year-long leadership program at Bayer Crop Science in Chesterfield, MO–, including Amour Beals of Bishop Kelley High School.


Nourish the Future is a national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiative connecting students to modern agriculture. Its mission is to help teachers inspire their students to learn science, solve problems, and see the possibilities of careers in agriculture.


Beals was selected as one of 38 educators to participate in the Teacher Leader Community program from Nourish the Future. Industry partners like the United Soybean Board and the National Corn Growers Association fund the program to help farmers educate the public on modern farming and the science behind their practices.


The culminating Capstone Conference event in the St. Louis area included guided tours, curriculum activities, and an expert panel discussion. Attendees engaged with Bayer representatives and learned more about their initiatives in education and innovation.


“My ah-ha moment has been seeing the sheer amount of technology that's in agriculture. Kids don't realize the extent of it. I’d love to show them the drones, 3D printers, automated irrigation systems, and other technological tools in agriculture,” shared Beals.


Director of Education Gary Abud, Jr. summed up the importance of connecting the agriculture industry to the classroom: “effective STEM teaching requires real-world context, which students and teachers find accessible in agriculture.”


In addition to unique collaboration with industry experts from companies like Bayer, Beals’ involvement in the program focused on leadership and curriculum development skills.


“Learning science through agriculture inspires students to pursue critical scientific careers—many of which are currently going unfilled in the agriculture industry,” added Abud, Jr.


Upon completion, teacher leaders will go on to equip fellow educators with engaging lessons that teach mainstream science skills and concepts through agriculture, in an effort to promote students’ pursuit of scientific careers to feed and fuel future generations.


“By bringing back what she learned at the Capstone Conference, Amour Beals is unlocking hands-on, contextual science that’s highly relevant to anyone who eats. More students deserve the opportunity to learn science through agriculture.”


“Agriculture is important for students to learn about because agriculture is all around them. Even if you live in the middle of the city, your food has to come from somewhere. It's really important that our students know where their food comes from,” explained Jennifer Jones, a Nourish the Future coach and Nebraska science educator.


“The population of the world is getting bigger every day and it's a challenge our students will have to encounter at some point. Agriculture is one of the solutions.”

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ABOUT NOURISH THE FUTURE


Nourish the Future is a national education initiative developed by science teachers for science teachers, connecting students to modern agriculture. The mission of Nourish the Future is to help teachers inspire their students– not only to learn science and solve problems– but to see the possibilities of STEM careers in agriculture.


Nourish the Future participants:

  • receive curriculum and free supplies to implement the lessons
  • work with a supportive network of leading-edge science teachers
  • connect with local farmers, food scientists, agronomists, technologists, researchers, and other agriculture experts


Nourish the Future's website provides free, standards-aligned lesson plans and curriculum for classrooms around the country.


Teachers interested in the leadership program can visit the Teacher Leader Community page.


The program is generously sponsored by the United Soybean Board and the National Corn Growers Association, with local support provided by state agriculture and education groups.


For more information, visit nourishthefuture.org.


Contact: connect@nourishthefuture.org


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Bishop Kelley High School Names Holly Beers Head Volleyball Coach

March 13, 2026
For Immediate Release Tulsa, OK — Bishop Kelley High School has announced the hiring of Holly Beers as the next Head Volleyball Coach, beginning with the 2026–2027 season. Beers brings a strong background in both high school and club volleyball, along with a commitment to student development that aligns with Bishop Kelley’s mission of forming young people in excellence, character, and leadership. Most recently Beers coached with Oklahoma Peak Volleyball Club in Oklahoma City, where she led multiple competitive teams and was selected by the Oklahoma Region Volleyball Association to coach Oklahoma’s U13 team at the USA Volleyball All-Star Championship in Madison, Wisconsin. She previously served as Head Varsity Volleyball Coach at Norman High School after two seasons as a varsity assistant coach. Beers has also contributed to athlete development through skill clinics with Oklahoma Peak and summer volleyball programming connected to the University of Oklahoma. Originally from Owasso, Beers attended Rejoice Christian School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in advertising with a minor in Spanish from the University of Oklahoma. “We are thrilled to welcome Holly to Bishop Kelley,” said Athletic Director Lance Parks. “She has been uniquely prepared for this opportunity through her experiences in high-level club and high school volleyball, and through the work ethic and tenacity she has demonstrated in all levels of coaching in Oklahoma. When the right person and the right moment come together, it inevitably turns into a blessing for us and the students in our programs. Holly’s passion for developing young women as competitors, leaders, and people of character makes her a perfect fit for Bishop Kelley.” Beers said she is honored to join the Bishop Kelley community and lead a program with such a proud tradition. “Bishop Kelley Volleyball has long been respected for its competitive spirit and strong culture,” Beers said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to build relationships with the student-athletes and help them grow both on the court and in life.” As head coach, Beers will oversee all levels of the Bishop Kelley volleyball program and work to continue the tradition of excellence established by previous generations of Comet athletes and coaches. In addition to leading the Comets volleyball program, Beers will teach in the Business Department at Bishop Kelley. About Bishop Kelley Volleyball The Bishop Kelley Volleyball program has a proud tradition of competitive excellence and leadership development within the OSSAA. For decades, Comet volleyball has been known for disciplined play, strong team culture, and student-athletes who compete with integrity while representing Bishop Kelley’s mission on and off the court. The program has produced numerous postseason appearances and continues to develop young women who pursue success in athletics, academics, and service. Through a commitment to teamwork, work ethic, and faith-centered leadership, Bishop Kelley Volleyball strives to prepare student-athletes for success long after their playing days are over. About Bishop Kelley High School Bishop Kelley High School is Oklahoma’s largest private high school and is considered a life-preparatory institution. It offers a faith-based education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personal development. The school features a rigorous curriculum, including more than 40 honors and AP courses across a wide range of disciplines. With an average ACT score of 28 and an average SAT score of 1260, Bishop Kelley graduates are well prepared for college, with 90% attending four-year institutions. More than 65% of Bishop Kelley students participate in athletics, and the Blessed Stanley Rother Academic Support Program provides individualized assistance to students with diverse learning needs.

Bishop Kelley Names Zach Stephens Offensive Coordinator

March 11, 2026
For Immediate Release Tulsa, OK — Bishop Kelley High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Zach Stephens as Offensive Coordinator for the Comets football program beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Stephens joins Bishop Kelley after serving on the coaching staff at Bixby High School, one of the nation’s premier high school football programs. During his time with the Spartans, Stephens worked primarily as the varsity wide receivers coach while also serving as an offensive coordinator at the junior high level. He’s played a key role in developing players within a championship-caliber program that has captured multiple Class 6A state titles throughout his tenure. “Zach brings outstanding experience from one of the most successful football programs in the state,” said Bishop Kelley Athletic Director Lance Parks. “He understands what it takes to develop players, build strong relationships with student-athletes, and contribute to a winning culture. We’re excited to welcome him to the Bishop Kelley football family.” At Bishop Kelley, Stephens will oversee the Comets’ offensive system and contribute to the development of the program across multiple levels. In addition to coordinating the varsity offense, he will assist with freshman football, track and field, and will serve as a member of the Math Department. Stephens is widely recognized for his emphasis on offensive strategy, skill development, and fostering accountability and teamwork among student-athletes. He has strong previous experience coaching and developing wide receivers while collaborating with the offensive staff to implement structured practice plans designed to maximize player performance and execution. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management from Oklahoma Christian University. Stephens will join the Bishop Kelley community this summer as preparations begin for the 2026 football season. Bishop Kelley Mission Bishop Kelley is a Catholic diocesan high school, inspired by St. John Baptist De La Salle, that carries on the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ by preparing students’ hearts and minds for a purposeful life. About Bishop Kelley Football Bishop Kelley Football competes in OSSAA Class 5A and forms young men of character through the discipline, brotherhood, and accountability that the game demands. Rooted in our mission, the program challenges student-athletes to pursue excellence while growing in faith, integrity, leadership, and respect for others. Comet players are called to compete with honor, support their teammates, and carry the values of Bishop Kelley long after their final game. About Bishop Kelley High School Bishop Kelley High School is Oklahoma’s largest private high school and a life-preparatory institution rooted in the Catholic tradition. The school offers a faith-based education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personal development. Bishop Kelley features a rigorous curriculum with more than 40 honors and Advanced Placement courses across a wide range of disciplines. With an average ACT score of 28 and an average SAT score of 1260, graduates are well prepared for college, with 90 percent attending four-year institutions. More than 65 percent of Bishop Kelley students participate in athletics, reflecting the school’s commitment to developing the whole person through competition, teamwork, and leadership. The Blessed Stanley Rother Academic Support Program provides individualized assistance for students with diverse learning needs.