OMRF has selected 53 teens from across the state for its fourth annual Teen Leaders in Philanthropy class.
Those selected will visit OMRF on a monthly basis throughout the 2016-17 school year to meet philanthropic leaders while learning about nonprofit organizations and the impact giving can have on a community.
Applicants are limited to Oklahoma high school students. Each must submit a written application and a letter of reference to qualify and then participate in an interview process.
The diverse group of teens will work together on team-building and fundraising projects strategically tailored to instill the basics of philanthropy, development, board structure, networking and fundraising.
Previous classes worked to create, organize and operate community-wide events to raise money for childhood disease and autoimmune disease research at OMRF, as well as a Trivia Night that raised money for overall research at the foundation.
Six of this year’s Teen Leaders were named to the Advisory Council, a select group of two-time Teen Leader participants who aid OMRF Development officers by contributing ideas and feedback for the program. They also take leadership roles by heading committees for the fundraising project.
“We are thrilled that this program is continuing to grow and become known around the state,” said OMRF Director of Development Kelley McGuire, who coordinates the group. “Educating young people about how philanthropy works will ensure that our state’s non-profit organizations are set up for success in the future.”
The 2016 Teen Leaders in Philanthropy are:
- ASTEC – Vinèy Kumari
- Atoka – Gabriella Cochran
- Bishop McGuinness – Ellie Baze, Alexander Best, Olivia Derryberry, Lena Do, Cooper Larson
- Casady – Safra Shakir, Mariam Shakir
- Classen School of Advanced Studies – PhiYen Nguyen, Dangminh Nguyen
- Crossings Christian School – Matthew Loper, Megan Szymanski, Nancy Wilkinson
- Deer Creek – Renee Horky, Alycia Pisano, Nicholas Oldham
- Dove Science Academy – Gabriela Rueda
- Duncan – Graham Cox, Hattie Stockton
- Edmond North – Sharon Bouvette, Carolina Collins, Reese Weingaertner
- Edmond Santa Fe – Maleha Anwar, Moeed Fawad
- Epic Charter School – Addalyn Wyatt
- Heritage Hall – Devavrat Dave, Tahirah Naidu, Alina Wilson
- Newcastle – Karima Soliman
- Norman – Kathryn Garn, Izra Lodangco, Ella Powers
- Norman North – Kendyll Gavras
- Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics – Katherine Liebl, Jacqueline Oh, Amanda Pan, Abel Zacharia, Anet Zacharia, Ann Zacharia
- Putnam City – Ashley Sunil
- Southeast – Heidy Briones, Jocelyn Garcia
- Trinity School – Curran McGuire
- Western Heights – Jenny Ha
- Westmoore – Ashley Langston
- Woodward – Paige Hughes
Advisory Council
- Bishop McGuiness – Charlotte Edmonds
- Bridge Creek –Macie Shelden
- Dove Science Academy – Marcel Martinez
- Heritage Hall – Madison Baetz
- Norman North – Anna Smist
- Putnam City North – Josephine Nwankwo
