OKC Friday okcfriday.com • facebook.com/okcfriday Vol. 59, No. 51
People You Should Know
SHANNON GILBERT President & CEO Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory? I was born and raised on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, where my childhood revolved around the ocean. Some of my favorite memories are sailing each summer on a 100-year-old wooden schooner along the coast of Maine. My dad is an incredible sailor, and my uncle was too, and because of them, we had the chance to go. At the time, my friends were going to Disney World or on cruises, and I thought I was missing out. Looking back, I see what an adventure it was. What did you want to be when you grew up? I was always drawn to the arts, including ballet, singing, playing violin, and making movies with my friends, and I dreamed of a career that brought all of this together. Today, I lead an organization that does exactly that, and so much more. What are you most passionate about professionally? See PYSK, Page 3
(405) 606-2727
May 1, 2026
1 Sections • 12 Pages
Debutante ball is reintroduced By Rose Lane Editor In 1945, as the world looked toward a new era of peace and prosperity, distinguished philanthropists Eleanor and John Kirkpatrick established a tradition, the Beaux Arts Society, designed to celebrate the grace, character and spirit of Oklahoma City’s emerging community leaders. Now, 80 years later, the inaugural OKC Debutante Renaissance Ball is the reintroduction
of a modern-day debutante tradition in the Oklahoma City metropolitan community and the state of Oklahoma. The ball is set for Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. “This occasion pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Eleanor and John Kirkpatrick while thoughtfully carrying forward their vision to reflect the leadership and promise of today’s young men and women,” organizers Carlene Burger and
Donald B. Swift, both native Oklahomans, said. When the Kirkpatricks first envisioned the debutante ball at the close of World War II, it as more than a social gathering — it was a rite of passage intended to instill civic responsibility and social poise. The last Beaux Arts debutante presentation took place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2021. See DEBS, Page 3
Lance McDaniel receives Hall of Fame Legacy honor Lance McDaniel received the 2026 Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award in recognition of his volunteer, civic, and community efforts from the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Additionally, more than $125,000 in cash scholarships and tuition grants were awarded to 111 Oklahoma high school students. These students earned top scores in the Oklahoma Scholarship Competition. The schol-
arships and the Lee Allan Smith Award are given together to inspire students toward service and to allow them to hear from a community leader. "Changing the world isn't about being perfect," said McDaniel. "It's about getting up every day and trying to make the world better for somebody besides yourself. You cannot change everyone's life, See HONOR, Page 7
From left: Lee Allan Smith, Lance McDaniel and his parents, Brenda and Tom McDaniel.
Village leaders propose a 9% lodging tax By Eric Oesch Staff Writer While The Village has no hotel properties, it does have over twenty short-term rentals
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Snowball is a three-year-old cavapoo and his birthday is April 6. “I love him,” said his mom Kristin Rydeen. “He is the sweetest dog ever and he has three other brothers that love us.” Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday. com.
(Airbnbs) within its 2.55 square miles. The properties provide lodging for both pleasure and business travelers. City leaders have voted to put a 9% lodging tax question before voters for ap-
proval during an Aug. 25 special election. The City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 785 to See VILLAGE, Page 11
Ball honorary chairmen are announced Annie Bohanon and Joan Payne are the honorary chairmen of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s 50th Annual Renaissance Ball. “Annie Bohanon and Joan Payne are not only two of the museum’s most passionate and generous supporters but are also key figures across Oklahoma’s cultural landscape,” said OKCMOA President and CEO Michael Anderson, PhD. “We want to thank them both See BALL, Page 11
Oklahoma City’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving far north OKC, Nichols Hills and The Village for 52 years • $1 per copy