PERRY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2025 SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR:
LOWER ELEMENTARY - Ashley Bode graduated from Perry High School in 2012 and is proud to still call Perry home. She’s married to William Bode and together they’re raising two kids, Greyson and Brynlee. This school year, Ashley began a new role as a paraprofessional with Perry Schools, excited to be more involved in the school system that helped shape her. She states, “She couldn’t do her job without the support of Ms. Melissa and Mrs. Ruth and the staff at Perry Elementary.”
When she’s not working or running her online boutique, you’ll likely find her spending time with her kids or on the sidelines cheering on her son at his sports games. Balancing family, her own business, and school life, Ashley remains deeply rooted in the values and connections that make Perry feel like home.
UPPER ELEMENTARY - Suzi Warden has been employed with Perry Schools for 16 years. Beginning as a kindergarten aide for Mrs. Mandi Justus, then with Mrs. Amy Dolezal for nine years. She moved to the Upper Elementary as Karee Grim’s library assistant for the past six years.
"I feel very blessed to have been a part of this school system. Our students are awesome and it has been amazing watching them grow through the years. God has blessed me with an amazing work family," says Suzi.
She's been married to Steve for 48 years and their three children, Ami, Cheryl and Shawn attended and graduated from Perry Public Schools.
JUNIOR HIGH - Barbara Ladson is originally from San Antonio, Texas. She moved to Perry her freshman year of high school.
She worked for the Perry Carnegie Library for ten years before joining the Maroons family in 2007, where she became a certified Librarian through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. In addition to taking care of the junior high library, Ms. Barbara serves as a 7th grade Student Council sponsor, 8th grade Leadership sponsor, and is an assistant coach for the Perry Lady Maroons wresting team.
She has a daughter, Dianetta "DD" Ladson and a fur grandbaby name Riley. In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends, and loves to sing and dance, even in the library.
HIGH SCHOOL - Brian O’Dell grew up in Blackwell, Oklahoma and graduated from Blackwell High School in 2003. He continued his education through Northern Oklahoma College and Eastern Gateway Community College, earning an associate's degree in criminal justice.
He became a police officer in Perry on August 1, 2006 and graduated Cleet in April of 2007. He has been promoted within the police department and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant. He's been serving as the School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Perry Public Schools for approximately eight years.
He and his wife Brittany have two wonderful children, Constance and Maddox O'Dell, who attend Perry Schools. He enjoys spending time with family, working with their kids' livestock projects, fishing, hunting, running with his wife, going to sporting events, and spending time at the lake.
"I have truly enjoyed being the SRO and building rapport with the children and staff, and helping them in any way I can. I enjoy that I get to work with students from pre-K to seniors in high school, where some SRO's don't have the opportunity to work with all age groups," commented O'Dell.
Award Reception:
April 30, 2025
4:00pm
Perry Board of Education Meeting Room (901 Elm St. - inside of the old JH buiding)