Day 5 of the Amazing YLOK Journey!

Thursday, where to start? We rose to shine early this morning and departed from Stillwater to Enid and our journey there was incredible. We learned everything there is to know about Enid and the great history behind it. After a wonderful tour of the History Center in Enid, we got the genuine opportunity to shoot shotguns! (I had never shot a real gun) Afterwards, we had a memorable lunch at Enid's newest country club, where Leadership Oklahoma Alumni talked with us for a few minutes and make us feel super special about being members of YLOK. As our day continued we headed to Oklahoma City and arrived at the OU Science and Health Center and got a sneak peek at one of the coolest projects that is bound to affect our entire state as a whole! Next, we had an overview of the Sonic Headquarters and I realized, (HEY I COULD BE A MARKETER!) just kidding, but the the presentation was inspiring. We finished up our day with dinner from Rib Crib at Lee Anne Stone's Husband's business in Bricktown; Saxum! The speech her husband gave turned tables for me... I want to stay an Oklahoman forever. I want to get educated here, I want to work here, I want to change the world all while staying in between the border lines in the Great State of Oklahoma. This trip has definitely confirmed my desire to stay right here... thank you so much Leadership Oklahoma. You have changed my life.

-Jennifer Nunez

Santa Fe South High School

Today was one of the busiest days of our week! It began in Enid at the Regional Heritage Center where we learned all the ins and outs of the wonderful town of Enid. I was lucky enough to be in the tour group that busted out to Journey (thanks to Andy on the piano). From the Heritage Center we went to the Grand National Quail Club where we got the chance to shoot skeet, something I had never done before! It was quite a success as most of our group was able to hit at least one target. For lunch we found ourselves at the Oakwood Country Club. The food was absolutely delicious and the company incredible! We met several LOK graduates and a free t-shirt! Our day continued as we headed back to OKC to tour the Stephenson Cancer Institute. The facility was still under construction, but we could see the beauty of this truly inspirational building. Jari Askins met us there and we enjoyed her words of wisdom. We hurried from the Cancer Center to the Sonic headquarters where we mixed our own drinks, and learned about the magic behind Sonic marketing. For dinner we got to experience Saxum, a very special place since Lee Ann's husband works there. He gave us an inspirational speech and reminded us all the exceptional opportunities Oklahoma has to offer. From there we went to the Redhawks game for just a bit and then headed to the 80's dance! All in all it was an amazing day! I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we have had an incredible week that we will never forget!

Emily Owens

Edmond Memorial High School

Youth Leadership Oklahoma, absolutely fantastic. I never expected to be surrounded by the incredible quality of people this class XI has proven to been. Our group certainly makes the most out of every day. Today, after Cody and I accidentally slept in, we traveled to Enid where we learned about the surprising opportunities of the growing city, and also, some shot their first shotguns! From there we visited the Oklahoma Cancer Center which provided insight on the intricacies of the Center on a state and nationwide view. Then we traveled to Oklahoma City and were moved by advice Mr. Stone gave through his personal experience and were surprised to hear about a wonderful scholarship created by the Stone family. The scholarship will be given to the person in our class who received the most votes. We all voted on the person who stood out in our mind as a unique leader Oklahoma would be most privileged to have. I can't imagine this decision to be made any other way. There are too many worthy individuals too choose from. We ended our final full day with an 80's dance party! I've never been so close to a group of people after only 5 days. These short days have formed bonds that are sure to last for years.

James Duncan V

Edmond North High School

-Lee Anne