World Neighbors marks 75
OETA to air film
Event Co-Chairman Susan Chambers with Kari and Hardy Watkins during the World Neighbors’ 75th Anniversary Celebration. Pages 11 & 13.
OETA is to air “Silhouette of a Territorial Lady” on April 18 at 4 p.m. The production is a onewoman play written and performed by OKC native Linda Kenney Rosser. Page 7.
OKC Friday
okcfriday.com • facebook.com/okcfriday Vol. 59, No. 49
People You Should Know
KATELYN WOODS Miss Oklahoma City 2026 What’s the one thing you are deeply passionate about? I am deeply passionate about the belief that empathy is teachable. We often think empathy is something that will naturally come to us over time, but I have realized that it must be intentionally taught. When we teach empathy, we help people care more about others. It allows us to dig deep and truly understand what it feels like to walk in someone else’s shoes. What does a perfect day look like? Waking up at 9 a.m. and having a big breakfast with my family. It would be the start of a perfect day. Then I would go on a run that is challenging but rewarding, teach dance to younger children and end the night at my favorite local Mexican restaurant, talking about pageants. How do you define success differently today than when you were younger? When I was younger, success meant simply achieving a goal. Now that I am older, success means everything I did to achieve that goal. I am seeing this firsthand as I See PYSK, Page 2
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April 17, 2026
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Rodrequez is next PC superintendent By Rose Lane Editor Putnam City Schools announced the selection of Dr. Kenny Rodrequez as the District's 25th superintendent of schools. Dr. Rodrequez assumes leadership on July 1 of one of Oklahoma's largest school districts, servDR. KENNY RODREQUEZ ing nearly 19,000 students. “Putnam City is gaining a creator, communicator, innovator, partner and a proven leader. We are celebrating this exciting new chapter with great enthusiasm and a deep respect for the road that brought us here,” School Board Vice President Jay Sherill said. “We honor our district’s legacy today with optimism and purpose, and where progress and gratitude are not opposites.” The selection of Dr. Rodrequez follows a comprehensive nationwide search process guided by
- Photo by Rose Lane
2026 Redbud Classic Oliver Wright, of Oklahoma City, and Chance Pierce, of Edmond, cross the starting line in the 43rd Annual Redbud Classic in Nichols Hills. In addition to a Woof Walk, wheelchair and stroller races, a 5K and a 10k, those in attendance enjoyed the Redbud Bash with music and refreshments. For more photos, see Page 12.
See PC, Page 7
Students, teachers travel to France to study A small group of high school students and teachers from the metro area headed to France as part of the 2026 Eleanor Kirkpatrick Franco–American Fellows and Faculty Program. The immersive experience combines cultural exchange with an academic research project designed to deepen students’ and teachers’ understanding of French language, history, and daily life. This prestigious program was started in 2009 and is supported and maintained by the Alliance Francaise of Oklahoma See FRANCE, Page 7
FRIDAY’s Cat of the Week
Meet June Evans. She is a 4month-old Ragdoll kitten. Since arriving in her new home, she has enjoyed getting to know her fellow Cat of the Week siblings Oscar and Millie. She is persistent in gaining their friendships. She enjoys bird watching, zooming, and giving her faithful servants, David and Jennie Evans, as many cuddles as they can tolerate. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
From left: Hudson Samples, Caroline Shepard, Jack Bair, Abigail Boyd, Peggy Whittington, Ava Wade, Kilie Moore, Elizabeth James and Whitney Stafford-Najibi. The group travelled to France as part of the 2026 Eleanor Kirkpatrick Franco–American Fellows and Faculty Program.
Keesee to be honored at UT event Upward Transitions has announced that Christian Keesee, chairman of Kirkpatrick Bank and president of the Kirkpatrick Family Fund, has been named the 2026 recipient of the organization’s prestigious Inspiring Hope Award. The award is to be presented on May 8 during Upward Transitions’ annual gala, American Tourist: British Invasion, 6:3011 p.m. at the Skirvin Hilton See KEESEE, Page 14
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