2 Kay County students accepted into statewide leadership program

May 04, 2023

Two Kay County public school students have been accepted into a statewide leadership program.

Blackwell High School student Harlie May and Ponca City High School student Aiden Tapp are among the 52 high school students selected for this year’s Youth Leadership Oklahoma Class, better known as YLOK.

YLOK is a division of the Leadership Oklahoma group, which recognizes leaders from across the Sooner State. Blackwell residents have been a part of the group in the past.

YLOK students are described as “rising high school seniors” who are selected “through a competitive process based on proven leadership, geographic, ethnic and cultural diversity,” officials said.

Students will take a week-long trip across the state in June to visit several governmental and historical institutions, including businesses, museums and landmarks.

“YLOK was created in 2001 with the mission to develop in young leaders a feeling of hope, pride and a responsibility for Oklahoma’s future,” officials said. “Over 1,000 students have participated in this one-of-a-kind program.

The all-expense-paid weeklong program begins and ends in Oklahoma City. Other cities visited throughout the week will include Norman, Lawton, Shawnee, Tulsa, Stillwater and Enid. In each community, YLOK Class 23 will learn about Oklahoma’s resources, issues and treasures, meet with state leaders and further develop their own leadership skills.”

“Leadership Oklahoma is very excited about the 52 young people chosen for this year’s program. YLOK Class 23 is an outstanding blend of student leadership from across the state,” said Marion Paden, Leadership Oklahoma’s president and CEO.