Seminole State College freshman Alivia Wapskineh, of McLoud, attended the George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy held in Oklahoma City Feb. 7-10.

Wapskineh joined college students from across the state for the four-day academy, where she participated in leadership development programming, civic engagement opportunities and service-focused activities. The itinerary included attending an Oklahoma City Thunder game, sharing dinner with Donna Nigh, exploring leadership principles during a “Your Leadership Journey” session, visiting the First Americans Museum, touring the Oklahoma City National Memorial, and participating in a Super Bowl watch party at Chicken N Pickle.

Students also completed a volunteer service project at the Oklahoma City Zoo, met with state leaders and partners, visited the Oklahoma History Center, toured Express Personnel and the Clydesdale Ranch in Yukon, and concluded the academy with programming at the Oklahoma State Capitol and a session with the Women’s Legislative Caucus, followed by a Rotary lunch at St. Luke’s.

“The Nigh Leadership Academy provided an impactful leadership experience,” Wapskineh said. “During the program, I had the opportunity to connect with fellow student leaders as well as influential Oklahoma leaders who often work behind the scenes to create meaningful change across the state.”

“Through museum visits, leadership discussions and community-focused activities, I gained a deeper understanding of Oklahoma’s history, leadership values and the importance of service,” she said. “The experience reminded me of the importance of collaboration, integrity and community engagement.”

Wapskineh said the academy challenged her to think deeply about how leaders serve others. “The Academy helped me grow as a leader and as an individual,” she said. “Being surrounded by motivated students who are dedicated to creating and sustaining positive change inspired me to reflect on my own role in serving my community.”

Wapskineh is a member of SSC’s President’s Leadership Class and was named 2025 Miss Seminole Nation. She is a graduate of McLoud High School and the daughter of TJ and Yecica Wapskineh.

The George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship was established on April 19, 1999, by the Oklahoma State Legislature and former Gov. Frank Keating. The purpose of this scholarship is to allow each of the two- and four-year higher educational institutions, both public and private, to select and honor one student each year as a Nigh Scholar. Each student is selected and nominated by their institution’s president and receives a one-time $1,000 leadership scholarship.

The Nigh Leadership Academy is supported by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, which contracts with the Nigh Leadership Academy for implementation. Over the years, more than 700 students have been awarded the title of Nigh Scholar.