Already recognized as Bartlesville's most progressive citizen earlier this year, Bartlesville Board of Education member Barry W. Lowe recently earned a distinguished honor at the statewide level.
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, AARP recognized 50 Oklahomans over the age of 50 who have made a difference in the lives of others or a Sooner State town or community. Lowe, who is the co-founder of the Lowe Family Young Scholars program along with wife Karen, made the list, which includes notables such as country music legend Roy Clark, former governor George Nigh and attorney general Drew Edmondson. Formed in February of 2006, the Lowe Family Young Scholars is a mentoring-based scholarship program which offers a way for students who otherwise might not have the financial means to attend a college or university. The program currently features 21 students.
Boasting more than 39 million members, the AARP is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over in the United States.
In March, Lowe was named the 2008 Examiner-Enterprise Progressive Citizen of the Year, the initial winner of the first-year award given out by officials with Bartlesville's daily newspaper.
Karen Lowe nominated her husband for the AARP award.
“It felt really good to receive that kind of statewide award and the recognition that comes with it,” said Lowe. “It makes you feel special, but it humbles you at the same time.
“I couldn't do these things without a lot of special people, and Karen is No. 1.”
To recognize Oklahoma's Top 50, the AARP held a special ceremony on Aug. 26 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. AAPP chief operating officer Tom Nelson and associate director Craig Davis were on hand to distribute the awards, which included a special gold medal and ribbon.
“It was humbling for both of us,” said Karen. “There were some well deserving people at the ceremony. It was great that we got to be part of it.”
Among the distinguished group of 50 was longtime educator Sylvester Franklin. For the last 55 years, he has taught in the Haskell School District , where he continues to serve students by leading an hour of math and GED classes at the age of 83.
“We saw a lot of impressive people at the event,” said Karen. “And they were impressive because of their good deeds.”
Bartlesville Board of Education member Barry W. Lowe, pictured with wife Karen, takes part in a special ceremony last month in Oklahoma City as the AARP named him one of 50 Oklahomans over the age of 50 who have made a difference in the lives of others or a Sooner State town or community. The Lowes are the co-founders of the Lowe Family Young Scholars program, which helps students in need realize their goal of attending a university.