OKLAHOMA CITY — Eight students from Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School and Mount St. Mary Catholic High School are participating in the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s Teen Leaders program.
The program, now in its 10th year, helps selected students learn about biomedical research, leadership, the fundamentals of nonprofit fundraising and development, board structure, networking and using social media for good.
This year’s class includes 50 students from around the state. The goal is to equip these students to become agents of change within their Oklahoma communities.
Teen Leaders from Catholic schools are:
• Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School: Zitali Armenta, Avary Cronic, Margot Knudtson, Isabella Kosters, Rachel Tate, Laura Wright
• Mount St. Mary Catholic High School: Thomas Doan, Maria Roquemore
“OMRF interested me because it allowed me to get hands-on research for a potential career pursuit,” said Kosters, a Bishop McGuinness senior. “It gives me a chance to lead and volunteer with others who have common interests, as well.”
Doan, a senior at Mount St. Mary, said he aspires to help improve the lives of others, "and one of the most effective ways to do so is through community service. I applied to the Teen Leaders program because I believed it would not only directly assist OMRF in its mission, but also allow me to help positively impact my community."
Group meetings began Sept. 13 and will continue through April. While last year’s program was conducted primarily online due to COVID-19, a full return to in-person activities is expected this year. Students also will coordinate a special event in the spring to conclude the program.
“This program has provided first-hand community engagement experience to more than 300 students over its first decade,” said Teen Leaders Coordinator Caroline Allen. “We’ve seen many participants go on to make a substantial impact in Oklahoma. We’re excited to see what the future holds for our newest class.”
Applications for the 2023-24 program will open in January. For more information or to sign up for application reminders, visit omrf.org/teen.