Fifteen incoming freshmen at Northwestern Oklahoma State University have been selected for a year-long adventure as members of the President’s Leadership Class (PLC).

Among them is recent Kingfisher High School graduate Cora Taylor.

PLC is a leadership development program led by Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president.

The program seeks to develop leadership skills in students who have compiled exemplary records of academic success and participation in high school activities.

Graduates of the program are expected to assume leadership roles on campus during their time at Northwestern.

“The students who are chosen for PLC have given us a glimpse into the leadership skills they already possess,” Cunningham said. “We aim to provide more education in developing those skills, while they continue to excel academically, to create future leaders within our society.”

“Activities are planned as normal this year, so we are all excited to see the growth from this PLC class and the opportunities they will have.”

Joining Taylor in this year’s PLC are: Brianna Brantley, Amarillo, Texas; Kathryn Brashears, Beaver; Sage Budy, Waynoka; Colton Castor, Vici; John David Cloud, Seiling; Josie Gibson, Hooker; Kylie Hallmark-McLain, Fargo; Delaney Lambert, Alva; Gracie Myatt, Piedmont; Lindsay Olson, Timberlake; Joe Parsons, Alva; Maddie Pitts, Waynoka; Santiago Sanchez, Ville St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada; and Noah Voth, Enid.

Selection to the PLC is through a competitive process including applications, letters of recommendation and an interview, which were held in person and through Zoom.

The students will begin their year-long adventure with an evening of team building on Aug. 7 and will then leave for Boston, Mass., on Aug. 8.

“This trip is to not only learn about our country’s rich history but also to form bonds among the students,” Cunningham said.

Activities during the four-day trip include walking the Freedom Trail, an escape room experience, a whale-watching expedition, and of course, a Boston Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park.

Throughout the year, class members participate in leadership activities and assist the president and her staff in hosting dignitaries on campus and in selected recruitment activities.

The daughter of Kevin and Beth Taylor, Cora was a valedictorian in the KHS Class of 2021.

Her high school honors and activities included FFA ag issues forum national champion, FFA conduct of chapter meeting state champion, National Honor Society, Oklahoma Honor Society, Student Council, FCA, cheerleading, FFA state talent competition finalist and FFA Washington Leadership Conference.

Taylor was also the 2021 Kingfisher County Distinguished Young Woman scholarship program winner.

She plans to major in biology at NWOSU.