Kingfisher’s Emily Sanders was recently announced as one of the select recipients of the Chancellor Hans Brisch Scholarship.

The $2,000 scholarship is awarded by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Sanders is just one of two recipients this year as she was joined by Muldrow’s Madison Walters.

“The State Regents congratulate both of these exceptional students who have distinguished themselves both academically and by giving back to their communities,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “These students join an elite group of young Oklahoma leaders and will bring a vibrant, energetic presence to our campuses. We wish them the best as they begin their college experience.”

The daughter of Shelley and Chad Sanders of Kingfisher, Sanders recently graduated from Epic Charter Schools.

She finished with a 4.3 GPA and ranked sixth in her class of more than 2,500.

Earlier this year, Sanders received the Oklahoma Academic Scholar award from the State Board of Education.

Outside of the classroom, Sanders has contributed over 5,000 hours in community service and said one of her greatest passions has been working with the Granville Community Music School, where she prepares and teaches music classes that include piano, guitar and voice lessons to underprivileged children.

She has volunteered with various service projects, such as Folds of Honor and Guitars for Vets, where she raised money to help with a ceremony of retiring American flags.

Guitars for Vets helps veterans integrate back into society after being deployed and gives them an outlet to express their feelings through the guitar.

Sanders has also led an Oklahoma Music History program with the Opry Heritage Series for over 6,000 students.

As president of the Children’s Hospital Foundation Teen Board, Sanders organized fundraisers and connected with the kids being treated at Children’s Hospital.

She also served the American Heart Association and Go Red For Women Campaign of Oklahoma City, where she helped deliver CPR kits to schools.

Additionally, she wrote a theme song for the organization in 2018 called “Write Your Own Story.”

Sanders is Miss Tulsa Outstanding Teen and will compete for the title of Miss Oklahoma Outstanding Teen this weekend.

She is taking concurrent courses, was chosen to attend the University of Oklahoma’s High School Leadership Conference and plans to attend the University of Oklahoma in the fall.

The Chancellor’s Scholars Program was created in 1990 with private funds. It was renamed in 2006 to honor Brisch, who served as chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education for 15 years.

Brisch retired in 2003 and passed away in February 2006.