donated to Duke's new music program


DUKE - Southwest Oklahoma Telephone Company, a locally owned and family operated company, recently donated $10,000 to the Duke School Foundation, Inc.

The Duke School Foundation, Inc. was established in 2004 to provide a tax-exempt opportunity for individuals and businesses to contribute financially to the Duke School. The Duke School Foundation, Inc. is a community-based organization that exists to build, maintain, and promote excellence in education. By working through partnerships with community supporters, the Foundation's mission is to generate interest in and provide financial support for the future of the Duke School.

Southwest Oklahoma Telephone Company (SWOTC) has a history of being a generous supporter of the Duke School. The new playground at the school is an example. The current donation will be utilized by the Duke School Foundation granting funds to the school for the newly organized music and band program. The instructor, Kittie Huey, is “very excited” about this brand new program and has “many school and community activities in mind,” including Christmas performances. This is just one of the new and exciting things happening at Duke School!

Southwest Oklahoma Telephone Company began in 1944 when Tom and Mary Green bought the Duke Telephone Exchange consisting of only 20 phones. Now, over 62 years later, SWOTC is a thriving Southwest Oklahoma business, serving Duke, Martha, Reed, Vinson, and Willow. Southwest Oklahoma Internet, SWOI, a subsidiary of the telephone company, serves over 1,000 customers in Southwest Oklahoma with high-speed wireless and dial-up internet services.

Tom Green, owner and president for almost 60 years and recognized as a pioneer by the telephone industry, believed in the community of Duke and was a strong supporter of the Duke School. He loved children greatly and believed in provided for their future. The Tom and Mary Green Continuing Education Scholarship is given to three outstanding students each year. SWOTC, now managed by Tom Green's son-in-law, George Wycoff, with the advice and support of Mary Green, Tom's wife of 60 years, and other family employees of the company, has continued in the footsteps of Tom as evidenced by this and other contributions.