Former longtime educators Terri Peck and Elise Morrow are the newest inductees into the Kingfisher High School Hall of Fame.

The two were announced as recipients of the honor during the Class of 2024 commencement ceremony May 18 at the Kingfisher APB.

They were introduced by KHS honors graduates Jorden Beck and Amy Deatherage and presented a certificate by Harley Schlegel.

Following are the biographies of each educator that were read during the induction:

Elise Morrow

Elise (Baustert) Morrow graduated from Okarche High School in 1969.

She then graduated from St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in 1972 as an RN. Elise continued her education at the University of Central Oklahoma, where she obtained her certification in school nursing and a bachelor of science in mild/moderate special education.

After completing her education, Elise worked at Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City and at Kingfisher Regional Hospital as a registered nurse.

She began her teaching career in Kingfisher in the fall of 1980 as the vocational health careers teacher.

In 1985, Elise transitioned into the role of Kingfi sher County School Nurse. This role emerged as a result of a co-op program with the Kingfisher County Health Department. She worked with students and presented health education programs to all county students and parents.

When that position was phased out, Elise then began her career as a special education teacher at Kingfisher High School. For the next 25 years, Elise was the mild/ moderate special education teacher.

Elise impacted the lives of hundreds of students. She worked with them both before and after school hours.

She helped her students with work applications and wrote numerous letters of recommendation when they entered the job market.

The impact she made is evident in the number of students who continue to stay in contact with her after graduation. I believe her most important attribute was making sure her students knew that she deeply cared about them and wanted each of them to be successful. Elise retired from Kingfi sher High School in 2015, but she still continues to serve and give back to her community in various ways. She volunteers at the hospital, library and Kingfisher Tree Board. She is also very active in her church. Elise and her late sister, Elaine, established the “Free Giveaway” ministry at the Kingfisher Federated Church, which occurs three times a year. She also helped spearhead the building of a residence for a local couple. Elise has three daughters Amy, Jeni and Tami - who all graduated from Kingfisher High School. She also has seven grandsons, three of whom also graduated from KHS.

Terri Peck

Terri Lynne Peck was born and raised in Weleetka and graduated there in 1969. She obtained a degree in mild/moderate disabilities in 1972 and a master’s degree in special education in 1973, both from East Central University.

She secured her first teaching job in 1973 at Comanche Elementary, in Comanche.

In 1977, she was hired as a special education teacher at Kingfisher Public Schools, remaining loyal to the district until her retirement in 2013. Her teaching career totaled 40 years.

Terri is married to Lloyd Peck and they have two sons, Ty and Patrick, both Kingfi sher High School graduates.

They are blessed with a daughter-in-law, Laura, and two active granddaughters, Lydia and Julia, whom they enjoy supporting in their activities.

In addition to spending time with their family and friends, Terri and Lloyd enjoy traveling the world.

Mrs. Peck, out of her personal funds and for many students whom she called her own, purchased prom dresses, heels, suits, dress shoes in addition to paying for hair, nails, jewelry, corsages, boutonnieres and even bought and transported a kitchen appliance to a student’s home.

She made certain her students had the experience of being a salesman and delivery person during their plant sales where her classes raised money to take a field trip to the mall in Oklahoma City; of which many had never traveled outside of Kingfisher.

She ensured they had access to medical and dental care and offered transportation to appointments if necessary.

Mrs. Peck assisted with completing job applications, wrote recommendation letters and often gave rides to interviews and even to job locations so her students would not miss work.

She worked alongside Vocational Rehabilitation to secure jobs for some students who still hold them today.

Mrs. Peck has supported many former students during times of loss and even celebrated the joys of marriages and becoming parents. Mrs. Peck continues to be a phone call away for many who want and or need to visit or to assist with monthly utility bills.

Mrs. Peck has had a profound impact on numerous students, those she taught and those who encountered her in the halls.

She was KHS’s biggest supporter for over three decades as she dressed the part to prove it; often dressing as a cheerleader or referee on Fridays.

Additionally, Mrs. Peck served as sponsor for cheer and Fellowship of Christian Athletes in addition to serving on various school committees during her tenure.

Although her teaching assignment was Special Education Language Arts, her students will tell you the life skills and personal attention she provided has had an everlasting impact on each of them.

Currently, Terri enjoys volunteering her time with anything and all things Kingfisher and was named Kingfisher Volunteer of the Year in 2021.

Terri is active in her church, serves on the boards of Kingfisher Winter Nights, Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher County Retired Educators, is a Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and is a member of various other organizations.