by AAH Shelley Muzny
Amara was born and raised west of Hennessey on the family farm by Nick and Maribeth Boettler. Amara being the fifth-generation educator on her mom’s side of the family and the third-generation educator on her dad’s side; one could say educating people was in her blood. The wonderful support, guidance and unwavering love from her parents, family and friends have made her who she is today.
Amara graduated from Hennessey High School in 1997. At that time, her classmates voted her most talented. She was not only the most talented in high school but has grown her talent of teaching children into a work of art. Amara went to Southern Nazarene University and received her BA in Education, Early Childhood, and Elementary. She attended the University of Central Oklahoma and obtained her MS in Informational Technology, Library. Last but certainly not least, Amara graduated from Southern Nazarene University with Ed.D. in Educational Administration and Leadership. Amara has taught in Kingfisher, Ringwood, and Chisholm and is currently the Principal of Monroe Elementary School, Enid Public Schools. In her teaching career, she has taught kindergarten, second and fourth science and social studies, and 4th-10th grades ELA. She also served as a librarian for grades Pre-K through 12th.
Amara is married to Brad Detrick and they make their home in Ames, OK. Where they enjoy farming, ranching and spending time with family. Brad and Amara have six children, five grandchildren, and one on the way! Amara states country life is the best life ever! Nick Boettler always would tell Amara that kids and dogs should be raised in the country… and she wholeheartedly agrees. Brad and Amara share a love for cattle; some of the best family times are working the young calf crop, and everyone has a job. Working in the outdoors, loving what you’re doing and who you are doing it with- makes a life worth living, satisfied and happy.
Amara loves attending NCAA sports, especially her Sooners. She likes attending musicals and concerts, reading, exercising, and spending time with the family. Amara states, “I feel “blessed” to have ADHD, which means I really don’t have an off-button. I love to go, go, go. I like to be active with my family. I love skiing, hiking, walking and biking.”
Amara states she is probably at her favorite part of her career. She loves teachers and considers it a privilege and honor to serve them as an administrator. Amara feels blessed for having some of the best teachers in Hennessey shape her into the teacher/administrator she is today. Several stand out in her mind – Mrs. Crosswhite, Mrs. Deutschendorf, Mr./Mrs. Briix, Mr. Neeland, Mrs. Pool, and Mr./Mrs. Sweeney. All of these educators prepared her thoroughly for college and life. Amara’s mom continues to teach at Hennessey Elementary, and Sawyer, one of Amara’s grandchildren, will go through Hennessey Schools. Amara states she loves how life circles back around…full circle. Amara looks forward to coming back to Hennessey for Sawyers school activities in the future. photos provided by Amara Boettler
