Senator Burns Honors Lifelong Educator Virginia “Jenny” Oliver on Senate Floor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator George Burns, R-Pollard, honored Virginia “Jenny” Oliver of Pocola on the floor of the Oklahoma Senate this week, presenting her with a formal legislative citation in recognition of more than five decades of extraordinary service to Oklahoma students and families.

Senator Burns praised Oliver’s commitment not only in the classroom, but in all aspects of student life.

“Jenny Oliver has dedicated her life to educating, mentoring and supporting generations of young Oklahomans, and it is an honor to celebrate her legacy today,” Senator Burns said. “She is not only a teacher—she is a pillar of her community and a shining example of what it means to serve others. Jenny’s heart for service is unmatched. She’s driven buses, organized events, fed students, and even paid for caps, gowns and tuxedos out of her own pocket. Her impact on the Pocola community cannot be overstated. This honor is a small way to say thank you for a lifetime of giving. Pocola—and all of Oklahoma—is better because of Virginia ‘Jenny’ Oliver.

Oliver, a 1967 graduate of Pocola High School and who earned a degree from Southern State College in Durant, returned to her hometown in 1976 to begin what would become a 50-year career at Pocola Public School.

Over the years, she has taught nearly every grade level and subject—from Kindergarten to High School Spanish—and has been instrumental in the success of the district’s Alternative Education Program.

Known for donning many hats—teacher, mentor, bus driver, game official, club sponsor, cook and counselor—Oliver has gone above and beyond, often using her own resources to ensure her students had what they needed to succeed and feel valued.

The citation, also signed by Oklahoma House Representative Rick West, R-Heavener, recognizes Oliver’s outstanding life and career, and expresses the deep gratitude of the Oklahoma Senate for her decades of unwavering dedication.

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