GuthrieAmerica Story: Monique Bennett
First and last name?
Monique Bennett
Where were you born?
Guthrie, Ok - Alvero Heights Hospital.
When did you move to Guthrie?
Lived here all my life. Born and Raised
What’s your favorite Guthrie-related memory?
My favorite Guthrie memory would have to be 89er's weekends. When I was growing up this was the high point of the year. Family would come in from all over to celebrate. Good food, laughs and memories. It would be so much fun and always looked forward to the carnival coming to town. It seemed so much bigger when I was a small girl. The parade would be so much fun too. My friends and I would make sure we had a new outfit to wear to the parade and would look forward to this all year. So many memories.
What’s the best part of living in Guthrie?
The small town feel and the family ties.
What does Guthrie have that other towns don’t?
Community and support from the community.
Are you a GHS Alumni?
Yes Class of 1988
If you lived here at some point and moved back why? job, family ect..
I am from here, but moved to Chicago after I graduated from College in 1993, but came back home as I did not like the big city. Too fast paced. Then I moved away in 1997, but returned home a year later to be closer to family as I was a new Mom.
Where do you currently work and how long?
I currently work for NTT Data. This company recently bought my organization from Dell Technologies. I have been with Dell for 13 years. I currently work from home and love it!
Where was your first job?
My first job was at the Logan County Court House. In the Treasurers office. I was a clerk and started this job my senior year in highschool a part of FBLA. Mrs. Smith was my business teacher in High School.
Do you have family here? If so explain…
Yes, I have family here. My Mother, JoAnn Washington, My Dad, Wayne Bennett, My sister and one brother. My uncles and aunts on my Dad's side are also here: Terry and Thecil Bennett, Charles Bennett, Wesley and Carmen Bennett. Also tons of cousins still here in the Guthrie area. I have lots of loved ones buried here in Guthrie and the Logan County area.
How did you first hear or learn about the Guthrie America brand?
Before the brand people would always ask me where I was from and I would say Guthrie America! I was so delighted when my cousin Greg "Heady" Coleman came up with the shirts and the Guthrie America Brand.
What do you think about the GA brand?
I love it and whenever I can I rep my city...lol I think I have all the shirts in every color.
Why do you wear GuthrieAmerica Tee?
Sense of pride and family roots! My family ties to Guthrie run very deep. My family has been in this area since the 1890's. Settled around Seward and southeast logan county areas. I am proud to be from Guthrie America!
What are your favorite things to do in Guthrie?
My favorite thing to do when my son was in school was to watch him play baseball at Squires Field other than that I would have to say anything that I can do outside here in town. Walking or visiting the parks, fishing or just sitting on my porch.
If someone asked you why they should move to Guthrie, what would your answer be?
Peace and serenity, I just recently suggested to a friend that lives in Oklahoma city who was looking to buy a house to buy here. I told her that it is very peaceful here.
We know Guthrie is awesome but tell us one thing you would change about it?
I wish there were more places to eat out with family here. Also wish there was more places to shop. I love to shop...lol
Anything significant about your life you would like to share?
I am thankful that my ancestors (Turners, Carters, Colemans, Thompsons, Jarmons, and Bennetts) decided to migrate here after the land run of 1889 and settle in the Guthrie area.They came here to ensure that their future generations would be able to own land and get an education. I thank them for making a way for me and my son to live out their dreams. I am proud of my ancestors and my Guthrie roots.
Anything else you would like to add?
Guthrie will always be home and home is where the heart is!