The 2024 NextGen Under 30 award recipients were recently announced and two Kingfisher High School graduates were among those selected for the honor.

Katie (Lippoldt) DeMuth and Cricket Kaya were named to the list of 484 winners selected from 21 categories of companies and organizations throughout the state.

NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma recognizes and encourages the next generation of innovative, creative and inspiring individuals who push the boundaries in various categories of endeavor.

Award winners are also selected based upon their participation in and contribution to their communities.

A 2013 KHS grad, DeMuth was selected for her service as the interim executive director for the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES). DeMuth currently serves as the chief of staff for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

She and her husband, Colton DeMuth, live in Piedmont and have an 11-month-old daughter, Grace. She’s also the daughter of Tom and Beverly Lippoldt of Kingfisher.

DeMuth has served the state since 2017 and was appointed as OMES interim executive director by Gov. Kevin Stitt in June 2024.

“Whether she’s advising executive leaders, working with state legislators or developing plans for OMES divisions, Katie has proven her dedication to public service and commitment to the people of Oklahoma never fades,” an OMES statement said.

During her time at KHS, DeMuth was active in FFA, serving as president, on the national champion livestock judging team and state champion parliamentary procedure team, a state champion in prepared public speaking, an Oklahoma Youth Expo academic all-state recipient, a member of the National English Honor Society and National Honor Society and an honor graduate, among other honors and activities.

DeMuth attended Oklahoma State University and graduated with a bachelor’s in agricultural business.

“It is an honor to be selected as a NexGen under 30 award recipient,” DeMuth said.

“The opportunity to live, work and raise a family in Oklahoma is a tremendous blessing and I look forward to continuing to grow professionally and contribute to my community throughout the rest of my career.”

A 2018 KHS graduate, Kaya is the daughter of Kurt Kaya and Shel Wagner of Kingfisher.

Kaya was selected for her work as grants coordinator at the First Americans Museum (FAM).

An integral part of the FAM development team since November 2023, Kaya was nominated for the award by FAM Campaign Chairman J. Blake Wade, a prominent community leader and promoter of Oklahoma’s history and culture.

At KHS, Kaya was selected as a Girls State Outstanding Citizen and was a junior counselor, served as a Senate Page, attended Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain, served as chief of photography, STUCO president and vice president, was a member of the academic team, the Pride of Kingfisher band and the National Honor Society, and was a valedictorian as well as other honors and activities.

Kaya attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international development.

“I was honored to be nominated by J. Blake Wade, a true community leader, cultural advocate and mentor in creating a better Oklahoma,” Kaya said.

“I have learned so much from him about what it means to create joyful opportunities that uplift one another. I believe NextGen Under 30 is our chance to connect with a network of honorees who share this hope for the future and work towards creating it together alongside leaders of past and present.”

The mission of NextGen Under 30 is to identify and honor talented young Oklahomans, encouraging them to follow their lifetime family and career goals in Oklahoma.

This year’s award winners will be recognized at an awards dinner and ceremony Friday, Nov. 15, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Norman.