Kellie Howard has always been very active when it comes to her children and their sports at Sapulpa.
Howard, the mother of Chieftains’ senior record-breaking quarterback Colton Howard, and Jaydn Howard, who is a student at the University of Central Oklahoma and played softball, basketball, soccer, cheerleading, dance, and was involved in sports medicine, says she has always been around to volunteer.
“I have always volunteered with anything my kids have been involved in, from being my daughter’s t-ball coach, booster or little league program treasurer, vice president, to today being the current Sapulpa Touchdown Club Booster President,” Kellie said.
“Not only being involved with my own kids, I love volunteering and working with/for the community kids. I have previously volunteered for the Oklahoma juvenile drug court, CASA, Kiwanis, Rotary, multiple other non-profits to becoming a federal court advocate and a grant writer for multiple youth shelters, justice centers and tribal departments.”
Staying involved with student athletes is indispensable, according to Kellie, who was a previous college professor and assistant softball coach/recruiter for her alma mater East Central University.
“It is essential for parents to be involved in what your kids are involved in. Show interest in what their interests are and help drive your kids to do the best they can, bring more to the table and go for things they normally wouldn’t,” she said. “Being involved gives your kids that back support they need sometimes when they are unsure. It also gives you the chance to see what your kids are doing, how they are doing, as well as their trials and things they need to work on and develop. Being involved lets you help not only your kids but others that do not have a lot of support from their home. I do not have just two kids, I have teams and groups of kids I call my own and love them deeply.
“The most satisfying aspect of volunteering is when, out of nowhere, the hugs start happening and smiles on kids’ faces when they see you coming occurs. When you see a kid come out of his/her shell and their minds start turning with ideas then that shy kid runs for an office that they would have never done before makes every day of volunteering worth it.”
Kellie enjoys the little things when it comes to family life.
“I am so thankful for my family. My husband is my rock, my kids are my life,” she said. “The things we enjoy are traveling together, having our family and friends over. We have had great times around the kitchen table playing games, telling jokes and talking. I hope these times never end.”
