Rivalries take back seat at high school leadership conference

Intracity rivalries were set aside on Monday as student leaders at Lawton’s three high schools came together to share ideas about how to make their schools and their community a better place.

More than 100 student leaders met in the gym at Life Ready Center for games, inspirational talks and planning sessions. The conference began with a rousing game of rock, paper, scissors where winners kept advancing until an ultimate winner was named.

“We want to have time to play games and share what works at each individual school and take those ideas back to our individual schools. It’s a time to work together as Lawton and not as cross-town rivals,” said Kristen Keplinger, activities director at MacArthur High School, as she explained the purpose of the conference.

A student advisory board meets with Superintendent Kevin Hime on a regular basis about problems or changes they would like to see in the school district, but this was the first time all of the student leadership had met together with Hime.

“They want us to find ways for us to get along together and create activities for all schools to do together,” said Adlee Hudman, senior class treasurer at Eisenhower High School. “We want to show it is possible to get along with your quote ‘rivals,’ unquote,” she said.

Yuliza Hunter, a Lawton High School senior, said the event was designed to come up with more ideas and changes the students would like to see in the schools. Her suggestion was for better equipment for girls’ sports.

Joe Warner, MacArthur High School Senior Class Vice President, said he was at the conference to gather and share ideas.

“We all get to share ideas and stuff that we do at MacArthur and hear about stuff they are implementing at other schools,” he said. Hunter said he is in charge of student morale and was looking for “more opportunities to help students feel better on a daily basis.”

Students also heard from Mayor Stan Booker, who talked about the importance of developing leadership. He asked students to think about how they will use their leadership skills in the adult world.

“Where is your leadership taking you? How will you use your leadership as an adult? Leadership is about where you are going. What do you plan for the organization you are leading?” he asked them.

Students exchanged ideas on student morale, publicity and thinking outside the box during breakout sessions. A planned joint community service project in Elmer Thomas Park was rained out, but another joint project will be held at a later date.