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Natalie Shirley Inducted into Hall of Fame

The Blackwell Public School Foundation will host its annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Tuesday, April 6, at 7 p.m. at the Kay Room, 300 West Doolin.

Natalie Shirley will be inducted in the Blackwell Public School Foundation Hall of Fame.

Shirley is Oklahoma's secretary of commerce and tourism. She graduated in 1975 from Blackwell High School after being active in band, flag, and vocal. She graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1979 with honors, with degrees in both psychology and political science. She graduacted from the University of Oklahoma in 1982 with a law degree.

In 1979, she married Russ Harrison from Lindsay, Oklahoma, and they have three children. They reside in Oklahoma City.

She was named Oklahoma's secretary of commerce in 2007 by Gov. Brad Henry. She is the former president and chief executive officer of ICI Mutual Insurance Group in Washington, D.C., the captive insurance company of the mutual fund industry.

Shirley is the daughter of Sam and Charolet Shirley.

Founded in 1988, the BPSF supports Blackwell students through grants that fund educational experiences that could not otherwise be offered through state funding.

During the past 22 years, the Foundation has grown to be one of the premiere organizations of its kind in the state.

Tickets for the banquet can be purchased at local banks, from foundation trustees, or by contacting the Blackwell Public Schools administrative office at 201 E. Blackwell, or 580.363.2570.

For more information, contact June Shepherd at 580.363.8514 or email june_shep@yahoo.com