Once again, I had the privilege of photographing the 2026 Sparta Gala at the beautiful River Spirit Casino Resort, and what an incredible night it was.

This year’s theme, Sparkling Spartans, invited the community to shine a light on the people, programs, and purpose behind Bixby Public Schools. From the moment guests arrived, the evening carried a sense of celebration, pride, and support for the students and teachers who make Bixby so special.

Led by this year’s chairperson, Abby Norvell, the gala came to life through the work of a dedicated planning team, generous supporters, and an incredible group of volunteers who helped make the evening run so smoothly.

This year’s committee included Andrea Hoffman, Christine Broberg, Lisa McLarty, Kelsi Brown, Abbey Goodman, Lindsey Meek, Alicia Wohl, Carlie Head, Natalie Burt, Mike Collier, Will Franklin, Jordan Giarraputo, and many others who gave their time and energy to bring the night together.

A special thank you also goes to the volunteers from the National Charity League, Bixby Chapter, who arrived early and helped bring so many of the event details to life.

And the impact was incredible.

Together, this amazing community raised $266,371 to support innovative teacher grants, student scholarships, and classroom needs through the Bixby Educational Endowment Foundation and Bridge the Gap initiatives.

An Evening Full of Energy

Guests were welcomed by the Bixby Spartan Jazz Band, whose music set the tone during check-in and cocktail hour.

Inside the ballroom, guests enjoyed a night filled with creativity, celebration, and school pride. Spartans Lily Lane and Katie Carter worked live at the pottery wheel, creating pieces that were later auctioned off in support of the cause.

A special moment in the evening came as Superintendent Lydia Wilson announced the 2026 Teacher of the Year finalists, recognizing three outstanding educators whose work continues to shape the lives of Bixby students every day. This year’s finalists included Brooke Kasbaum, Lidiya Willson, and Jenifer Jones, each honored for their dedication, excellence, and impact in the classroom.

One of the most meaningful moments of the night came when the Bixby High School JROTC presented the colors. Following the presentation, Cadet Gunner Sargent Elayna Bennett delivered a heartfelt introduction for the evening’s emcee, Rob Miller, setting the tone for a night rooted in gratitude, pride, and purpose.

Later, Bixby seniors Carli Jones and Addison Smith shared moving remarks that reminded everyone why this event matters.

The gala also featured many of the evening’s favorite traditions, including the silent auction, a lively DJ, the Wine Pull, Whiskey Pull, Gift Card Pull, and Last Paddle Standing.

From start to finish, the room was filled with excitement, generosity, and a shared commitment to supporting Bixby students and teachers.

Support from local sponsors continues to play a major role in the success of Sparta Gala each year.

A special thank you goes to sponsors including Mabrey Bank, QuikTrip, Blue Flame 47, Statewide Commercial Cleaning Company, Ethos Architects, LifeChurch, and many others who helped make the evening possible.

The funds raised through Sparta Gala continue to make a real difference by supporting resources that directly benefit teachers, students, and classrooms across Bixby Public Schools.

It was a joy to document another unforgettable night for this community.

And if this year proved anything, it is that the future of Bixby is shining bright.

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