The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has selected 53 students from across the state for its ninth class of Teen Leaders.
Through group activities and panel discussions with OMRF scientists and state civic leaders, the program gives teens the tools to be change-makers in their communities and learn how to become advocates for medical research and improving human health.
Traditionally held in person, the 2021-22 program will primarily be held virtually this fall due to rising cases of Covid-19 across the state.
“Our Teen Leaders bring energy and excitement to OMRF whether we’re in person or online,” said program coordinator Caroline Allen. “This is an important steppingstone for these promising students. We can’t wait to see what they’ll do for OMRF and in their communities.”
The teens selected will learn the fundamentals of development and nonprofit management as well as the history and importance of OMRF and medical research.
Among the 2021-22 class, 11 are returning students who will operate as an Advisory Council.
OMRF’s 2021-22 Teen Leaders are:
- Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School: Gabby Gasbarra, Julianne Rogers, Blayne Schwarz
- Casady School: Caroline Currie, Lizzie Lees, Carolina Pardo, Nonie Reding
- Classen High School of Advanced Studies at Northeast: Jenna Chan, Danny Ly, Parinita Varshney
- Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School: Makayla Hammons
- Crossings Christian School: Alisea Chung
- Deer Creek High School: AJ Jayasekar, Sudiksha Sugunan
- Edmond Memorial High School: Stephanie Cromer
- Edmond North High School: Brenna Leeds
- Edmond Santa Fe High School: Pranay Patlolla
- Harding Charter Preparatory High School: Israel Ibanez, Joce Ramirez
- Heritage Hall: Chloe Brown, Eli Dunham, Brigham Evans, Alli Williams
- Homeschool: Zane-Micah Chiariello
- Mercy School Institute: Diya Hafeez, Soha Jawaid
- Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School: Thomas Doan, Maria Roquemore
- Norman High School: Naomi Kim
- Norman North High School: Amanda Mercer
- Oklahoma Christian School: Jessica Helm
- Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics: Stephanie Kim, Kareem Raimi
- Owasso High School: Aminata Kamara
- Piedmont High School: Ryleigh Rushing
- Putnam City North: Victoria Nwankwo
- Southwest Covenant Schools: Grant Mosshart
- Stillwater High School: Mena Awad, Kaylee McWhorter, Michelle Park
- Westmoore High School: Anna Hayashizaki
- Yukon High School: Kati Weeks
Advisory Council
- Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School: Lindsay Best, Maggie Forth
- Casady School: Ria Sachdev
- Deer Creek High School: Carter Haney, Crayton Haney, Sourish Pasula, Shivani Sugunan
- Dove Science Academy High School – Oklahoma City: Lina Thai
- Edmond Memorial High School: Aleeza Azeem
- Mercy School Institute: Athina Momennia
- Piedmont High School: Madison Lake
