Taylor McConnell, a junior at Wellston High School, has been accepted into the twenty first class of Youth Leadership Oklahoma. Leadership Oklahoma selects 52 rising high school seniors through a competitive process based on proven leadership, geographic, ethnic and cultural diversity to participate in its annual Youth Leadership Oklahoma (YLOK) class program. YLOK Class 21 members plan to travel the state during a week-long trip at the end of May to learn about Oklahoma’s history, culture, issues and leaders and begin to develop a greater understanding and appreciation for our state. 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. Over 900 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 21 will learn about Oklahoma’s resources, issues and treasures, meet with state leaders and further develop their own leadership skills.
“YLOK was a great opportunity for us to learn about our personal leadership styles,” said a YLOK Class 20 participant about their experience last summer, “I learned how to listen to other perspectives before making my opinion. I also learned in any leadership position, there will be people who do not have the same views as you and that is good! Listening to other people is one of the greatest ways to learn.”