Five students announced as winners of the Midland Young Leaders Challenge with General Tommy FranksJune 22, 2021

On Thursday evening, June 17, Midland College (MC), Midland ISD, and the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum held the annual Midland Young Leaders Challenge with General Tommy Franks awards ceremony.  The ceremony was the culmination of two days of an intensive leadership workshop for students entering the 12th grade.

The Star Leadership winner Shelby Stephens, Midland High School, received a $3,000 scholarship and will advance to the Four Star Leadership program at Oklahoma Christian University.  The national program brings together 70 of the top high school students in the United States to have a face-to-face experience with national and international leaders. 

Midland College hosted the June 16-17, 2021 Midland County program sponsored by The Henry Foundation and Warren Charitable Foundation.  Students participated in presentations and discussion with community leaders including Midland Mayor Patrick Payton, MC President Dr. Steve Thomas, MISD Superintendent Dr. Angelica Ramsey, Midland County Commissioner Luis Sanchez, Midland Drug Court Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Rainey, SHK Advertising Firm President Jessica Rule and Midland County Adult Probation Director Allen Bell.  MC Professors Betty Clements, Debbie Hightower and Doug Johnson coached students to prepare speeches.

The Thursday evening awards ceremony included a keynote presentation by Major General (ret) Anthony Cucolo.  He is currently president and chief executive officer of Professional Contract Services, Inc., a nationwide non-profit that helps people with disabilities and veterans find meaningful work and lifetime careers.  

First place speech winner and recipient of a $2,000 scholarship was Ryan Smith, Legacy High School; second place and a $1,000 scholarship went to Katherine Cook, also a Legacy High School student.  The essay winner Adalyn Bowcutt, Trinity High School, received a $1,000 scholarship. Kaitlin Geric, Greenwood High School, won “Most Improved” and a $500 scholarship donated by Cucolo.  

Each year, MC and MISD partner with the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum to conduct the workshop available to students who have just completed the 11th grade.  Students interested in next year’s competition should contact their school principal or counselor for more information.