When we moved to McAlester over 20 years ago, I had visions of keeping my front door open so friends and family could just walk right in. I imagined running into friends and acquaintances in the grocery store, and taking a few moments to catch up on life. I dreamed of having a community of support to look after and encourage my children as they went through their school years, and an extra hundred or so watchful eyes helping me keep them on the right paths! Happily, I can report that each and every one of those things became a reality living here in Big Mac and my family has thrived in this community.
It has been said you get out of something what you put into it. The opportunities to get involved in our community are plentiful. From volunteering with nonprofits to provide needy families with food, clothing, and school supplies, to spending an afternoon or evening downtown enjoying music festivals, steak cookoffs, or browsing our incredible locally owned stores, there is no shortage of ways to become a part of our growing community. While we have certainly invested in McAlester, the people here have returned that investment a hundred fold.
As a public school educator who is heavily invested in McAlester Public Schools I can also speak to the quality of education we have to offer. Multiple districts-both large and small-lean often on MPS for direction, and our educators and administrators are valued by state organizations for their expertise. Students from all backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses come together to create a rich and diverse learning environment within a district that is dynamic and dedicated to a top notch education for our students.
With McAlester as our hub, we are easily able to visit nearby attractions, such as Robber’s Cave State Park, Talimena Scenic Drive, Kiamichi Mountains and Lake Eufaula. When our longing for “big city” life takes hold we can be in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Fayetteville, or the Dallas Metroplex within just a couple of hours. Once we’ve had our fill, we gratefully return to the simplicity of life here in McAlester. There is no place I would rather call home.
