Local elementary school receives generous donation

A local man isn't using his new business to make money, but to give it instead. Houchin Elementary School in Moore is benefiting from this man's generousity.

Darrell Husted found out that the school needed help with a new playground. Together with his son, the two donated and assembled the new playground worth more than $35,000.

Since the nearly finished project, Husted heard of another school in need of assistance. He again saw a need, and acted on it.

"We tried to look to see which one might benefit the most and it looked like this one that the Lord layed upon our heart to give it to," Husted said.

Husted's act of giving stretches far beyond the playground. Prizes he has donated are being used to reward the students for their good attendance.

"We've got a lot more with perfect attendance than we had even the last nine weeks," Houchin Elementary teacher Billie Larsh said.

Teaching tools such as screens called smart boards were donated by Houchin for the classrooms.

Houchin fully funded the school's archery program as well.

School officials are pleased.

"I know he's making a difference, without a doubt. And, everybody in this building knows that too. Wether they're a 4-year-old, Pre-K or a 40-year-old teaching veteran, they know that he's making a difference," Houchin Elementary Principal Jason Perez said.

Attendance is up, grades are better, and the children are enthusiastic about coming to school.

"As a business owner I'm not too concerned about how much profit I can have. I think it's more important to make some type of a difference, so you can leave a legacy for somebody else," Husted said.

This is not the first holiday season Husted has given. Last year he gave bicycles to the school.

"'Well, how many years are you going to do this?' I'll do it as long as I'm alive, that's a promise," Husted said.

Husted owns Drill Right Technology, an oil drilling company. And he says, he'd like to challenge other people, or coporations, to do the same. He says these kids are our future, and we need to support their education.