A local youth graduated recently from the 2009 Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) put on by the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council. Kyle Brannon, Chouteau joined 20 other youth on the campus of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha, June 9-13.

The YLF participants were selected through a competitive application and interview process. As delegates in the YLF program, students improved their leadership skills and self-confidence, learned how to become more involved in their schools and communities and received guidance in setting and pursuing their own career and higher education goals.

This year’s delegates heard from recognized national and state speakers: LeDerick Horne from New Jersey, who grew up facing challenges daily due to having a disability; Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins, who met with the delegates during their visit to the Oklahoma State Capitol; Dr. Penny Weeks and Joyce Montgomery from Oklahoma State University, who helped the delegates learn more about the principles of leadership and career possibilities; and Dr. James Martin, assisted by graduate students from the University of Oklahoma, who helped the delegates with creating a scrip for their Individualized Education Plan for next year. Michael Beers, a successful comedian who grew up with a disability, wrapped up the week.

The 2009 YLF class joins 70 other graduates from previous Oklahoma YLF programs whose experiences as delegates have enabled them to make a difference in their communities and their lives. More information

on the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council and the Youth Leadership Forum may be obtained at www.okddc.ok.gov or by calling 405-521-4984, or outside the Oklahoma City metro area, 1 (800) 836-4470.



Other YLF delegates from across the state are:

Steven Bay, Oklahoma City

Mindy Blaser, Lamont

Cristina Craig, Asher

Hannah Fields, Broken Arrow

Justin Goldsberry, Duncan

Prince Gould, Midwest City

Roderick Halpainy, Warr Acres

Jennifer Karner, Oklahoma City

Shelbi Lonkerd, Edmond

Nikolas Mihelic, Goodwell

Olivia Molden, Oklahoma City

Zechariah Molden, Oklahoma City

Lauren Morrison, Oklahoma City

Shyenne Nicholas, Okmulgee

Meredith Oliver, Bartlesville

Aaron Ramos, Edmond

Marta Seitz, Yukon

Andrew Simms, Beggs

Matthew Wood, Oklahoma City