Past Honorees

2025 Honorees

John & Joy Reed Belt Award

Aimee Harlow

This award is named in memory of John L. Belt, Harding Fine Arts Academy’s founder, to recognize a person who has raised visibility for the arts and education in Oklahoma City. Aimee’s leadership and fundraising roles have made an undeniable impact in the visibility and success of the OKC arts community including Allied Arts, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, OCMOA and Oklahoma City Ballet. Her involvement and support of the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University reflects her belief in the vital importance of quality higher education.


Innovation in Education Award

Susan Gabbard

The Innovation in Education Award recognizes educators, administrators or government officials that enhance the quality and relevance of arts-integrated education. Susan is deserving of this award for her life-long commitment to her students as an art teacher. Over her career, she has held leadership roles in local, state and national arts associations, including serving as President of the National Art Education Association. Susan served on the HFAA School Board for over a decade as an OKCPS representative and later as Board President.

Outstanding Alumni Award

Kenyon Morgan ‘64

Kenyon grew up in Oklahoma City, graduated from HHS in 1964 and was elected HHS class president. Following graduation from Yale University, he received his Masters of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma. Kenyon approached his architectural and residential development career with a mission to create better environments for people to live, study and worship. Kenyon is a Founding Director of HFAA and his leadership, guidance and support on both the HFAA and the HFAA Foundation Boards clearly demonstrate his qualifications for this recognition.


Outstanding Alumni Award

Nok Thatvihane ’09

Nok is a proud 2009 graduate of Harding Fine Arts Academy, where he was part of the first class following the school’s reopening. This dynamic leader in the OKC financial sector is known for his strategic insight and problem-solving skills. Deeply committed to his community and education, Nok serves as a board member for HFAA, giving back to the school that shaped his path. His efforts to promote financial literacy and empower students from under-resourced backgrounds with the tools for success make him an excellent choice for the 2025 academy alumni award.

  • 2023 Honorees
    A. Max Weitzenhoffer, Jr., John & Joy Reed Belt Award
    Inasmuch Foundation, Community Impact Award
    Frank Keating, Innovation in Education
    Joe Williams ’63, Outstanding Harding High School Alumni
    Luke Wittmann ’13, Outstanding Harding Fine Arts Alumni
  • 2022 Honorees
    Ken & Mary Ann Fergeson, John & Joy Reed Belt Award
    University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, Community Impact Award
    Jean Hendrickson, Innovation in Education
    Rand Elliott ‘68, Outstanding Harding High School Alumni
    DeVante Parker ‘11, Outstanding Harding Fine Arts Alumni
  • 2020 Honorees
    Renate & Charles Wiggin, John & Joy Reed Belt Award
    BancFirst, Community Impact Award
  • 2019 Honorees
    Glenna & Richard Tanenbaum, John & Joy Reed Belt Award
    Oklahoma A+ Schools, Community Impact Award
  • 2018 Honorees
    Christian Keesee, John & Joy Reed Belt Award
  • 2017 Honorees
    Nancy Payne Ellis, John & Joy Reed Belt Award
    John Yoeckel, Board Leadership Award
  • 2016 Honorees
    Beth & Jim Tolbert, John & Joy Reed Belt Award
  • 2015 Honorees
    Leslie & Cliff Hudson, John & Joy Reed Belt Award
  • 2014 Honorees
    The Honorable Robert Henry, John & Joy Reed Belt Award
  • 2013 Honorees
    Joy Reed & John Lampton Belt (posthumously), John & Joy Reed Belt Award

Supporting Teachers and Students

Gifts to the Foundation impact the students and teachers by enhancing classrooms, expanding and adding programs and preserving our historic building.