WPX Energy Contributes $25,000 to Tulsa Educational Arts Program
WPX Energy is donating $25,000 to the Any Given Child arts program benefiting Tulsa Public Schools students.
Marcia MacLeod, WPX Energy senior vice president of human resources and administration, is presenting a ceremonial check to Any Given Child representatives at a Tulsa Ballet performance for fifth-graders on Monday, Sept. 16.
“We are so honored to give this gift to Any Given Child in the name of John H. Williams, whose passion and investment in the arts greatly benefitted this community,” MacLeod said. “We believe in this program and its commitment to give arts exposure to thousands of Tulsa students.”
Williams, who died in May, was the former chairman and CEO of The Williams Cos. and the namesake of Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center. WPX Energy spun off from Williams in late 2011, and is an independent, publicly traded company that produces natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids. WPX employs more than 550 people in Tulsa.
“John’s vision and leadership changed the course for Tulsa and for generations of Tulsans,” said WPX Energy CEO and President Ralph Hill. “We couldn’t imagine any better way to honor him than to inspire and cultivate in the next generation the traits that John himself so strongly embodied.”
Tulsa is one of 11 cities across the nation now participating in the Kennedy Center for the Arts’ Any Given Child program, in partnership with the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa, TPS and the Mayor’s Office, along with 11 sponsoring arts organizations in Tulsa.
The Any Given Child program gives Tulsa Public Schools students in kindergarten through eighth grade live arts experiences, as well as integrated arts curriculum, which is being developed for each grade that aligns with Common Core standards.
“Tulsa Public Schools and Any Given Child are fortunate to have the support of WPX Energy and our other generous donors,” said Dr. Keith Ballard, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools.
“The children in our community need broad exposure to the arts, and this gift will go a long way toward making this program even more accessible. The fact that it’s being donated in honor of Mr. Williams makes it even more meaningful.”
Local performance groups and museums will ensure that Tulsa students have at least nine live arts experiences by the time they reach high school.
Contact
WPX Energy Inc.
Kim Averill, 539-573-0156
