Parents have a lot of responsibilities once they have children. One of the more important decisions they will have to make is where their kids will attend school. They want to find the perfect fit for their kids so that they can be successful. Kristi Ross, says that her family could not think of a better place to raise their children other than Pryor.

“I’m amazed at how fortunate my community is to have families, business, industries, my Cherokee Nation tribe, providing so many opportunities to our education systems,” she said. “I am thankful that they are able to grow up in an area that runs deep in core values and has large community support is a blessing for them.”

Ross and her husband Keith have been married for twenty-six years. They have three children. Rachel Hammock teaches second grade in Locust Grove and is married to Zack. Robert coaches and teaches at Chouteau middle and high schools and he is married to Kelsey. Their youngest daughter, Reeve is a junior at Pryor High School, where is plays soccer, runs track and cross country, and is also a member of the Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Sociey, and the student council. Kristi and Keith also have two grandchildren, Emerly and Ridley.

Ross has been an educator for over twenty-one years. She currently is the middle school counselor at Pryor. While she enjoys her job, she also enjoys her downtime.

“When I am not working at the school, I like to spend time with my family, help promote cycling and the outdoors for all ages.”

As a member of the cross country, FFA, soccer, and track and field booster clubs, Kristi says that she loves to see the kids involved in sports because it helps them become better people.
“Over the years, I’ve witnessed our community benefit from adults who, while attending school, were involved not only in sports, but organizations and programs who taught them the importance of leadership, responsibility, and teamwork,” she said.

“These diversified programs will always be close to my heart and I know they help pave the way in allowing our communities to prosper.  I’m an advocate for creating more sustainable outdoor areas that can function into long term recreation regions for people of all ages.”