Mayra Munoz not only earned Purcell High School Building Teacher of the Year but also the Purcell District-wide Teacher of the Year.

That’s the word from Assistant Superintendent Malachi Blaxton after his committee met Monday afternoon.

Other building teachers of the year included Angie Wren at the junior high, Aimee Arnold at the intermediate school and Taryn Johnston at the elementary school.

The District Rookie of the Year was Ethan Scott.

Munoz is a Spanish I–IV teacher at Purcell High School, where she brings a passion for language and culture into the classroom each day.

With six years of experience teaching Spanish and 11 years in English as a Second Language, Mrs. Munoz is dedicated to helping students build confidence in communication while fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures.

A former English Language Learner, Mrs. Munoz draws on personal experience to connect with students and support their individual learning journeys.

She is especially proud of earning a master’s degree in teaching in her 40s, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and perseverance.

In addition to teaching, Mrs. Munoz has served as the Spanish Club sponsor for six years, helping students build meaningful connections within the school and throughout the community.

Through these efforts, students have engaged with local first responders, nursing home residents, and younger students, extending language and cultural learning beyond the classroom.

A graduate of Purcell High School, Class of 1997, Mrs. Munoz takes pride in giving back to the same school that shaped her. Two of her children have also graduated from Purcell High School and one currently attends.

Known for an engaging and supportive teaching style, Mrs. Munoz finds joy in sharing her language and culture with students.

She considers it a privilege to inspire others through education and remains deeply committed to making a positive impact in the classroom and beyond.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Munoz enjoys spending time with family, who have been a constant source of support.

Wren graduated from Purcell High School, attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.

This is her 29th year of teaching, with 28 of those years at Purcell Public Schools.

She currently teaches 7th grade English, 7/8 grade Current Events and is the PJH cheer coach.

She has also taught 4th and 6th grade, and she has taught a variety of subjects, including science, reading, geography and English.

Wren and her husband, Kevin, have four kids including son Colton and wife Laney Wren, daughter Riley Wren and husband Brennan Barger, daughter Avery Wren and son Devin Wren. They also have two grandchildren, Beckham and Josie Wren.

With 22 years of teaching experience (11 at Purcell), Arnold pours her heart into her students every day.

Her passion for making history come to life creates a classroom full of excitement, and hands-on learning!

From attending the Colonial Williamsburg Teaching Institute to bringing interactive battlefield trunks into her classroom, she does the extra to make learning meaningful and fun.

She also partners with Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom to connect history with real-world experiences each month! Mrs. Arnold has a big heart for her students, and it shows in all she does.

Beyond the classroom, Aimee is supported by her wonderful family. She is married to Travis Arnold. They have a daughter, Addison, a junior at Purcell High School. Addison was excited to join in the announcement.

Johnston holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education and has dedicated the past six years to serving students at Purcell Elementary.

She has the biggest heart for her students and goes above and beyond to ensure each child feels supported, valued, and successful.

Her creativity and passion shine through in everything she does, as she is always seeking new and meaningful ways to support students both inside and outside the classroom.

Beyond her classroom, Taryn is supported by her family.

She is married to Nate Johnston and together they have raised two children, Kimber and Kash, who cheer her on every step of the way. 

Scott joined the Purcell High School team three years ago and has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of both the Science Department and the Athletic Department.

A 2018 Lexington High School graduate, Ethan’s journey took him from the football field at East Central University to the University of Oklahoma, where he completed his degree in 2022.

Currently, he balances his passion for academics and athletics by teaching Biology and coaching football, basketball and softball.

Known among students and peers for his tireless work ethic and infectious enthusiasm, Ethan is highly regarded for his willingness to lend a hand wherever needed.

Outside of school, he stays active in the great outdoors through fishing and hunting, and he also channels his entrepreneurial spirit into running a lawn care business.