Sophomore Turney Student of Year

Lory Turney’s sophomore year was a memorable one. In October 2004, she was crowned Queen Alalah. On April 18, she was named first runner-up in the Outstanding Student of Arkansas City Award. The next night, the business administration major was named Cowley’s Student of the Year. “I was so surprised, and very excited,” said Turney, an Arkansas City High School graduate and the daughter of Larry and Angie Turney. “There were so many other deserving students up for it.” Turney, the granddaughter of Edna Faulkner of Arkansas City, held a 4.0 grade-point average.

Her accolades during the 2004-2005 academic year include being named September 2004 Student of the Month. “That was really a neat honor,” Turney said. “I know that it’s pretty prestigious. I was thrilled to be selected.” Turney was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, was a Student Ambassador, was on the National Dean’s List for young scholars, and was on the Humanities Advisory Board. She plans to transfer to Washburn University to finish her bachelor’s degree, then enter law school. Turney’s sister Marissa, 21, is a junior at Oklahoma State University, and brother Chase, 16, is a junior at ACHS.

Turney said being named Student of the Year was the culmination of an exciting year at Cowley. “It means a lot, and it shows who you are as a person and what people think about you,” she said. Turney received a cash award and a plaque. When Turney wasn’t studying, she was giving a campus tour as a Student Ambassador, or working at two part-time jobs off campus. She waitresses at Sirloin Stockade in Arkansas City, and she teaches gymnastics at the Arkansas City Recreation Center. Despite her busy schedule, Turney found time to focus on her studies. “School’s more important to me now,” she said. “I take it more seriously. It was important in high school, but in college, you become more goal-oriented. You start thinking about a career.”

Turney attended Cowley on a Presidential Scholarship. Turney, who described herself as “very outgoing and easy to get along with,” liked Cowley for numerous reasons. “I liked Cowley because the teachers treat you like an adult,” she said. “Living at home, it’s cheaper for my parents. But I’d heard good things about Cowley. Growing up here, you’re kind of attached. I don’t regret it at all. “I’ve seen a lot of kids from high school, who weren’t the best in high school, come to Cowley and do well. The classes are small, and I wanted that one-on-one instruction. My instructors know who I am, and you get to know your teachers.” “I’m really glad I came to Cowley. I wouldn’t change it if I had to. I’ve met a lot of really neat teachers and people. It’s been an awesome experience.”

Summer 2005