After completing four sessions, I believe it is safe to say that the fifty-two members of the twenty-first class of Leadership Oklahoma have been educated and inspired.  Gary Richetto led a fun and thought provoking opening retreat at Roman Nose.  Thanks to the hard work of the program chairs and their committees in Lawton, Tulsa and McAlester, the members have experienced truly eye-opening sessions about the military, transportation, education, energy, corrections and human services.  There has been at least one evaluation after each session that includes the statement “this has been a life changing experience.”

This year the presenters have been asked to include information for class members on the critical issues in their areas and what the class members might do to impact change, if needed.  This has led to a variety of activities among the class members following each session.  After the Lawton session, several from the class brought a family to Ft. Sill so they could experience their son’s Basic Training graduation.  Witnessing outstanding educational programs in Tulsa has led some class members to research how those can be replicated in other locations in the state.  The McAlester visit motivated several to touch base with local officials about implementing (or enhancing) some programs that could make a difference in the areas of corrections and human services.

Next on the schedule is a visit to Oklahoma City in January for state government, health and biomedical.  As in other locations, the program chairs have been hard at work putting together a program that includes a month’s worth of information into a two day format.

LOK has once again done an excellent job of recruiting and selecting an outstanding group of individuals who are making a difference in the state.  Their participation in each session reflects a passion and enthusiasm that will benefit all of us.  I can already see their willingness to share their many gifts and talents to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others.