The halls of Putnam City West echo with the stories of countless Patriots whose journeys began here. In Past Patriot Perspectives, we reconnect with distinguished alumni who have turned their high school experiences into remarkable careers and meaningful lives. Each month, we’ll share their insights, achievements, and reflections on how PC West helped lay the foundation for their success. Let their stories inspire you to envision your own path beyond these walls.
Lori Knowles (Lori Watson, ’93)
Registered Nurse
What Memories do you best remember from PCW?
I remember hanging out in Mrs. Ralls’ journalism room and developing prints for the yearbook and paper.
How did your time at West prepare you for the life you currently lead?
I think West taught me to be a hard worker. Anything is obtainable with enough drive and work.
Jacquelyn Eagleson (Jacquelyn Edwards, ’03)
Director of Marketing for one of the largest architecture firms in Oklahoma
What memories or activities do you best remember from your time at West?
Student Council, Newspaper, Drama
How did your time at West prepare you for the life you currently lead?
The skills I picked up in high school newspaper have stuck with me and show up in my work-life all the time. Creating and editing content feels a lot like designing newspaper layouts—tight deadlines and all! During my four years on staff, I developed a sharp eye for visual content and learned to edit with a fine-tooth comb, both of which I use every day. Working together as a team to hit deadlines was a big part of what we did back then, and it’s shaped how I lead my team now—20 years later!
Katherine Bishop (Katherine Phillips, ’80)
Educator and Past President of the Oklahoma Education Association
What memories or activities do you best remember from your time at West?
My favorite memories at Putnam City West were all the great friends I had. It is always so important to be apart of a group in high school and basketball and pep club were the two that created the most memories. There was nothing like cheering at a football game in freezing weather in a skirt and sweater. Playing on girls basketball team was exhilarating and making the playoffs all 3 years was such a great accomplishment for our team as well as the camaraderie and life long friendships that you built with your teammates.
How did your time at West prepare you for the life you currently lead?
When I attended, West had just the 3 grade levels and from the moment that I stepped in the door on my first day and until I graduated it was filled with outstanding teachers and the groups that I belonged. As a high schooler you may not realize the wealth of knowledge that you are receiving and how it will prepare you on your journey of being a life long learner. Mrs. Ward’s junior American Literature class was my favorite. To this day I still remember all the classics that we read and how this played into our history. Basketball was my jam and even though Coach Jim Brown was hard as a bear the lessons that I learned of perseverance and tenacity have kept me joining through life with that journey may of become difficult. My high school years laid the foundation of who I’ve become today.
Kelli Robertson (Kelli Reeves’02)
Project Manager for the Zoning Division, Nova Group GBC
What memories or activities do you best remember from your time at West?
I was on the newspaper staff throughout high school and was selected to be the editor my senior year. I have the best memories working to meet deadlines after school and driving our completed paper on a disc to the Edmond Sun to be printed. The cancer fund drive was always a fun week at school, I remember decorating our shirts and playing fun games during the assembly.
How did your time at West prepare you for the life you currently lead?
Being a student at West and getting to be part of the newspaper staff taught me the importance of meeting deadlines and teamwork, and helped develop my leadership and work ethic. I also learned how to handle conflict and opposition but also strive for inclusivity. We had a lot happen my senior year including 9/11. Some students felt we covered too many controversial topics for a school newspaper and we had to defend our paper through a teacher supervised “debate” with the student council. I found a picture of the newspaper staff we took my senior year. I’m the one on the bottom left.
