Donkey Basketball Game Helps School District Replace Stolen Funds

Skiatook Police are investigating an embezzlement case that's left the high school senior class missing the money they've been raising all year. Police have a suspect, an adult who had access

Friday, April 6th 2007, 8:25 pm

By: News On 6

Skiatook Police are investigating an embezzlement case that's left the high school senior class missing the money they've been raising all year. Police have a suspect, an adult who had access to the money, but they haven't made the arrest. The News On 6â€™s Emory Bryan reports the theft came to light last week, and now the community is responding to help out.

The senior class doesn't have any time to worry about what will happen with the embezzlement suspect, they've got a party planned with the money that's now missing, and graduation is just six weeks away. Now, the challenge facing Skiatook students and parents is to raise enough money for this years Senior Celebration.

"After graduation Senior Celebration is the last night they'll be together as a class, and get to see each other and share future plans,â€ said 2006 Skiatook graduate Aimee Stilwell.

It's been extravagant in years past, but this year it's in jeopardy because all of the money raised for the party was stolen.

"It is a major setback, things happen, but we have a great parent committee that's helping, we have great parents," Kendra Westmoland, Skiatook Senior Class President said.

And the parents are trying to replace the $15,000 taken from the students.

"This is a setback but we're moving forward,â€ said Senior Celebration Organizer Tracie Calvin.

They're willing to try about anything, even donkey basketball to make up the money. The fundraiser was planned long ago, but now it's more important because after a year of fundraising they're starting over. They're selling concessions, taking donations and selling tickets to donkey ball fans who watched the teachers beat the students in the first game.

In the week since the robbery was discovered and reported to police the students have raised several thousand dollars, but still have a long way to go. The students believe they can raise the money all over again. They're hoping with parents and the community behind them they'll be able to end their senior year on a positive note.

During Friday nights Donkey Basketball Game the students raised $2885. They'll have another fundraiser, a Garage Sale April 28th in the parking lot of the old Wal-Mart in Skiatook.

Skiatook Police Lieutenant James Dean says the missing money was reported to authorities Friday, March 30th, and is still under investigation. He says police expect an arrest warrant to be issued soon for a person they've identified, but who they have not been able to interview.

Donations can be made to: Kellie Tomlinson, Treasurer
Senior Celebration Parent Committee 2007
P. O. Box 566
Skiatook, OK 74070

For a Web Exclusive of outtakes from the game, click here.