Senator Carri Hicks of Oklahoma City has recently been celebrated for her steadfast advocacy for the state's youngest learners. The Friend of Young Children Award, an honor bestowed by the Oklahoma Association for the Education of Young Children (OKAEYC), now belongs to Hicks, as noted in a recent announcement. Recognized for her efforts in championing policies that nurture the growth and development of young children, Hicks' dedication to this cause is rooted in both her professional background as an educator and her personal investment as a mother.
Hicks, who currently serves as the assistant Democratic leader of the Senate and sits on the Senate Education Committee, was chosen for her ability to effectively advocate and to persistently push for change within early childhood education. Stephanie Hinton, Ed. D., president-elect of OKAEYC, emphasized the significance of this by stating, "Each year we request nominations from our membership for this award to go to a strong advocate for young children in our state," in a release by the Oklahoma Senate. "We were thrilled to be able to honor Senator Hicks for her work in promoting and solving issues related to education and well-being of young children in Oklahoma," Hinton added.
Among her notable legislative efforts, Hicks has championed a new law specifically designed to better support children with dyslexia. This focus on educational challenges intersects directly with her expertise, given her educational credentials—a master's in early childhood education. Moreover, her legislative portfolio isn't just limited to the realm of education; it extends into the health sector. In 2022, she authored a law that expanded the list of mandated screenings for newborns, helping to identify and to tackle health issues at the earliest stages.
"As a senator, teacher, and mother of three, I am passionate about doing everything I can to support the safety, health, and academic success of Oklahoma’s children," Hicks communicated in the same Oklahoma Senate release.
