Colonial Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol is an annual, immersive educational event
where fifth-grade students experience 18 th -century American life. Held for over 20 years,
it features interactive stations, reenactments of the Revolutionary era, and other
educational activities such as students dressing in period clothing and taking part in
patriot and loyalist debates, all of which align with fifth grade curriculum standards.
Historical interpreters are also present.
The event is supported by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence and teachers – like
Marietta’s Shaylin Nutter-Haworth – who were trained through the Colonial
Williamsburg Teacher Institute, which Nutter attended last summer.
“Since I went to the training in Colonial Williamsburg last summer, I was able to apply
for our students to attend,” explained Nutter-Haworth. “We were so excited to be
chosen because of all the applicants, only about 10 schools are chosen.”
The event also included a literature contest where students wrote essays on “What It
Means to Be an American.”
One essay was chosen from each school, and one essay was chosen as an overall
winner. The Marietta winner was Madison Tunnell, daughter of Matt and Matt Tunnell,
and the overall winner, chosen from approximately 500 essays, was Marietta’s Anyelin
Martin-Valdes, daughter of Yunisleidi Valdes and Yinmy Martin-Valdes.
The event was held on January 30, but due to icy road conditions and school
cancellations, the entire class was not able to attend as planned. However, Nutter-
Haworth was able to accompany Tunnell and Martin-Valdes and their families to
Oklahoma City for Colonial Day.
“Anyelin got to read her essay from the podium of the House chambers and was
presented a plaque and a check from Governor Stitt, so it was a very exciting day for
us,” said Nutter-Haworth.
Representative Josh Cantrell met the Marietta visitors when they arrived, introducing
himself to the families and sitting with them during the opening ceremonies.
“He introduced us to a few of his colleagues and brought in a photographer to take
some pictures of the girls and their families,” continued Nutter-Haworth. “He did
everything he could to make our visit a great one.
“This day was a big one for both of these girls. Governor Stitt spoke about Anyelin’s
essay in his speech on how Oklahoma fosters the American dream, and both of the girls
got to be honored guests of Representative Cantrell. They got the VIP experience, and
that’s something you never forget.”