Seminole State College has selected 26 freshmen students for Class XIX of the President’s Leadership Class.
The leadership students, along with their parents, attended a reception held at the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum on Tuesday, August 26.
SSC President Lana Reynolds opened the evening with a warm welcome to students and their families. Members of the college’s Administrative Council then shared insights about their departments and how they contribute to student success. Speakers included Dr. Bill Knowles, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs; Melanie Rinehart, Vice President for Finance, Grants & Enrollment; Jessica Isaacs, Dean of Instruction; and Marc Hunter, Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Security Officer.
Eileen Castle, Executive Director of the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, delivered a keynote message encouraging students to embrace the importance of play and engagement in their daily lives. She also highlighted meaningful ways to get involved in the local community through volunteerism.
Director of Community Relations Kim Pringle provided an overview of the year’s planned activities for the PLC, including community service expectations, leadership training sessions, and civic engagement opportunities.
Following the program, students and their families enjoyed exploring the museum’s interactive exhibits.
The 2025-26 President’s Leadership Class XIX includes: Addy Askew of Palmer, Texas; Ty Bonnett of Azle, Texas; Ella Cantrell of Shawnee; Taylon Elliott of Purcell; Talan Fairless of Panama; Carson Garner of Seminole; Layla Griffin of Seminole; Felicity Hamilton of McLoud; Caleb Hines of Edmond; Hannah Jo Jones of Tecumseh; Emily Lazzara of Prague; Will Lundquist of Norman; Bella Mattingly of Flower Mound, Texas; Jozlynn Milliman of Prague; Colt Moore of Haskell, Texas; Hattie Morris of Piedmont; Larron Morris of Shawnee; Nate Quickstad of Keller, Texas; Nicci Stimson of Pryor; Sebastian Stone-Moore of Wewoka; Andrew Taber of Oklahoma City; Sylvia Thomas of Davenport; Alivia Wapskineh of McLoud; Avery Wharton of Wilson; Alex Wilhite of Bristow; and Kashtin Wilson of Prague.
The President’s Leadership Class is a two-year scholarship program designed to develop student leadership through civic engagement, volunteerism, and mentorship opportunities with campus and community leaders.
“The President’s Leadership Class offers students meaningful opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills while also supporting their academic development,” SSC President Lana Reynolds said. “We’re excited to work with this exceptional group of students. Throughout the year, they’ll engage with state leaders, explore government and philanthropy, study leadership models and give back through volunteer service,” she said.
School officials throughout the College’s service area of Seminole, Lincoln, Pottawatomie, Hughes and Okfuskee counties are invited by President Reynolds to nominate high school seniors as candidates for the scholarship program each December. Other students are nominated by SSC Educational Foundation trustees and community leaders. Participants are selected based on ACT scores, academic performance in high school and demonstrated leadership ability.