By Derrick Smith

Parenting multiple school-age children can be a tough task. Between school schedules, homework, extracurricular activities, and other commitments, life can feel a little hectic. Emily Patton has just about completed that season of her life as she has one kid left in high school. She says that sports played a role in each of their lives. 

“I have four great kids,” she said. “Heather, Dustin, and Riley all graduated from Chisholm High School. My youngest, Bryce is graduating this year. All my kids played sports throughout their youth and in high school. Football, basketball, baseball, trapshooting, and softball were all part of our lives. Riley is currently finishing up his final season on the Randall University baseball team.  Bryce is hopeful to play college baseball somewhere.”

Patton, who is currently a realtor, was a teacher for several years before deciding on a career change. 

“I recently left the classroom after teaching special education and first grade for the past 13 years,” she said. “I’m currently a realtor at McGraw Realtors and co-owner of Picnic•ish, a new pop-up picnic business in Enid. I am also involved in Chisholm sports as a member of the booster club. I also serve on the Chisholm foundation board and Journey House board.”

As a parent, Emily was glad to have sports be a big part of her family’s lives. Not only do sports help them physically, but she says it also plays a bigger role in their lives. 

“I believe sports teach players so much about life,” she said. “The things they learn while playing sports help them to be committed and have self-discipline. They have to learn how to be a team player and work with others. While playing sports, kids learn how to handle fear and failure. With a good coach, kids listen and learn mental toughness.”

Living in Chisholm and having kids that have been through the district, Patton says that she enjoys all aspects of the town and school, and it is a great place to raise a family.

“I love the family atmosphere of Chisholm Public Schools,” she said. “It’s small enough to know your graduating class. The teachers love and care for the students. Chisholm is still a good school district.”