For the 25th time in school history, the Pride of Eufaula proved to be one of Oklahoma’s Best by earning the OSSAA State Sweepstakes Award for 2025 after earning superior ratings in competition at the OSSAA state concert band competition against 80 other bands from across the state. “This is the highest award possible, the equivalent of winning an athletic state championship,” explained Rusty Helms, director of the Eufaula. “We competed against bands from Class 4A, 3A and 2A. In order to achieve this, the high school band starts working in the summer months and begins rigorous practice sessions in August, a schedule that continues the entire school year. The band must earn a Superior Rating at the OSSAA Regional Marching Contest and then they must earn a Superior Rating at OSSAA District Concert Band Contest and then must earn a Superior Rating on stage and in Sight Reading at OSSAA State Concert Band Contest. This is such a difficult achievement and we could not be more proud of the students.”
