Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Museum of History
The school year ended as the graduating class left the school building for the last time, handing over to the next class a year full of memories. There were ups and downs, challenges and successes, hard work and dedication, goals set and achievements achieved.
The same could be said about the Class of 1938. Specifically, for the first time in Sapulpa history, they were being recognized for certain achievements.
This week, on May 25, 1938, it was announced in the Sapulpa history that “Sapulpa residents have attended this school for 12 years without absence or lateness.”
Democratic News, June 2, 1938
Who was the first student to earn this title? Edith Alice Cooper.
“Edith Alice Cooper, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Cooper, graduates from Sapulpa High School tonight. She holds the unprecedented record of attending Sapulpa schools for 12 years without a single absence or tardy attendance.”
“But regular attendance at school runs in the family.” Edith’s father, Charles Cooper, did much the same when he was at school. “‘My father went to school for eight years without a single absentee or lateness, and I had the ambition to do the same when I got in.'”
Edith went on to say that she just wanted to carry on: “‘After eight years I decided I just wanted to carry on, so I punched my dad and I wouldn’t miss a day of college if I could help it.’
Edith Alice Cooper as a baby. (Provided)
She began her education at Woodlawn High School in 1926, then spent one year as a seventh grader at Washington High School, and graduated from Sapulpa High School a few years later.
“She will graduate not only with an unprecedented record of perfect attendance, but also with success in her school’s extracurricular activities.” Edith was active in the National Honor Society, elected her junior year, participated in junior and senior class plays, and served on the yearbook staff. She was also elected president of the Senior Girls Reserve Corps, Spanish class, a member of Latina Societas, a cheerleader, and drum master. Other accomplishments include participation in the Pep Club, Pepuz, and membership in the high school journalism society and Quill and Scroll.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, AL Crabble, contacted Edith to congratulate her on her graduation and achievement: “As an award for perfect attendance, Ms. Cooper will receive a certificate from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.”
In September of that year, it was announced that “112 Sapulpa students, some of whom have had vacation breaks, stable jobs or left teaching jobs, will begin their journey to 26 American universities this weekend. Today, as September arrives, so does the lure of school.”
College Democrat News, September 1, 1938
After graduating, Edith moved to Missouri “with the intention of pursuing a course in arts and sciences in college.” She became a student at the University of Central Missouri, then named Central Missouri State Teachers College.
(Sapulpa Herald, May 25, 1938; Democrat News, June 2, 1938; September 1, 1938)
Rachel Whitney
