Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum
The school year just ended with the graduates leaving the school grounds one last time; another school year filled with memories will be passed on to the next class. There were ups and downs, challenges and success, hard work and dedication, goals set and achievements earned.
For the Class of 1938, the same could be said for the graduates, specifically when one achievement was honored for the first time in Sapulpa history.
It was announced this week in Sapulpa history, on May 25, 1938, that a “Sapulpan goes to school here for 12 years without being absent or tardy.”
The student that achieved this title first? Edith Alice Cooper.
“Edith Alice Cooper, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Cooper, tonight will be graduated from Sapulpa High School with the unprecedented record of having attended Sapulpa schools for 12 years without being absent or tardy.”
“But attending school regularly runs in the family.” Edith’s father, Charles Cooper, nearly did the same himself when he went to school. “‘Father went to school for eight years without being absent or tardy, and when I started it became my ambition to do the same thing.’”
Edith further stated she simply wanted to keep on going, and going. “‘I beat father because after I went eight years, I just decided to keep on going. And I’m not going to miss a day in college if I can help it.’”
She began her schooling at Woodlawn in 1926, then one year at Washington for seventh grade, before graduating from Sapulpa High years later.
“She will graduate climaxing not only an unprecedented record for perfect attendance, but also a career active in school extra-curricular circles.” Edith was active in the National Honor Society, elected in her junior year; participated in the junior class and senior class plays; she was on the staff for the yearbook. She also was elected president of the Senior Girls Reserves, Spanish Class, and a member of the Latina Societas, cheerleader, and drum master. Other achievements included participating in the pep club, the Pepooses; and membership to Quill and Scroll, a high school journalistic society.
The state superintendent, A.L. Crable, reached out to Edith upon her graduation and her achievement. “For her perfect attendance, Miss Cooper expects to receive a certificate of recognition from the state school superintendent.”
In September of that year it was announced that “one hundred and twelve Sapulpa students, leaving vacation idleness, steady employment and some leaving teaching positions, this weekend will start a trail leading to 26 American colleges and universities. With the coming of September today, also comes the tempting call to school.”
Edith moved to Missouri after graduation. “In college she plans to major in arts and science courses.” She became a student at University of Central Missouri, then it was named Central Missouri State Teachers College.
(Sapulpa Herald, May 25, 1938; Democrat News, June 2, 1938, September 1, 1938)
