Charger girls repeat as champs The Heritage Hall girls tennis team, at left, held off rival Tulsa-Cascia Hall to win its second straight Class 5A state championship last weekend at OKC Tennis Center. Senior Tokara Henderson, holding the trophy, earned her third career state title in No. 1 doubles, with her partner Leila Williams. Hattie Bradford and Ellie Nasr also teamed up to win the No. 2 doubles championship. Sports, Page 4
OKC Friday okcfriday.com • facebook.com/okcfriday
Vol. 60, No. 1
People You Should Know
May 15, 2026
1 Sections • 12 Pages
Ground broken on Love YMCA The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City welcomed over 100 community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new North Side YMCA facility. The name of the new facility was unveiled as the Tom and Judy Love North Side YMCA. The current North Side YMCA, which has been a community hub since it opened in 1960, will be acquired by Casady School, who will ensure the space continues to be a valuable community resource for its students. Once complete, the See YMCA, Page 12
Judy and Tom Love’s daughter, Jenny Love Meyer, speaks about her parents’ enduring legacy of leadership and community during the groundbreaking of the new Tom and Judy Love North Side YMCA.
ACHIEVERS LYNANN STERK-BROOKS Regional Vice President Philanthropy and Foundation SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory? I was born in Janesville, Wisc. but my family moved to Norman after my father transferred with General Motors when I was very young. Growing up in Norman during the 1980s was idyllic. It was the best community, full of caring neighbors and excellent educators, while providing children with the freedom to roam. I still greatly value my childhood friends and the values I learned growing up in Norman. What did you want to be when you grew up? I recently found a childhood diary that said I wanted to be marine biologist! Science wasn’t my best subject so that dream wasn’t meant to be. I also wanted to be a teacher or an attorney. What are you most passionate about professionally? I am passionate about serving others 11especially those in need. I believe whole-heartedly in our SSM See PYSK, Page 11
(405) 606-2727
Gold
Safety
Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma has named its 2026 Gold Award recipients. Sage Ralls of Nichols Hills is among 15 Girl Scouts recognized for
Lester Claravall, who is responsible for Oklahoma’s child labor law enforcement and young worker safety outreach programs, is being recognized with
SAGE RALLS
See RALLS, Page
See SAFETY, Page 3
Kelli O’Hara
Madison
By Rose Lane Editor
Heritage Hall’s Ashley Adams is one of 45 James Madison Foundation Fellows. The foundation is located in Alexandria, Va. The teachers are members of the 34th annual class. See ADAMS, Page 3
LESTER CLARAVALL
ASHLEY ADAMS
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Otis is a 4 year-old Irish doodle and he loves to play with other dogs. His favorite things to do are sit in the back yard, bark and run around chasing one of our kids. His mom is Senka Stevenson. Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
Four Fridayland students have been named finalists in the 2026 KelliO’Hara Awards, sponsored by OKC Broadway. The finalists for Outstanding Performance by an Actress are Chloe Davis, Crossings Christian School; Kaylie Fitzpatrick, Crossings Christan School; and Stella Gebard, Heritage Hall. See KELLI, Page 3
NHills mom remembers son’s life By Eric Oesch Staff Writer Kim Hiddleston is a big Oklahoma City Thunder fan. And so was her son Stone Smith. The Hiddleston family are longtime Nichols Hills residents who are known for decorating their home and yard for the holidays and during last year’s OKC Thunder championship run. Kim and Stone were passionate Thunder fans and attended See STONE, Page 12
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