See Pages 11-15.
OKC FRIDAY Vol. 59 No. 12 • One Section • 16 pages • July 25, 2025
$1 per copy
www.okcfriday.com facebook.com/okcfriday OKC’s only locally-owned legal newspaper with all local news Serving affluent far north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills & The Village for 51
OKC’s legacy lives on through pageant
Principal tapped for new Belle Isle High School
- Photo by Fran Kozakowski
brates 102 years of empowering, educating, and elevating young women across generations. Throughout its history, the Miss Oklahoma City organization has produced: • 15 Miss Oklahoma titleholders; • Two Miss
Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) announces the hiring of Michael DeForest as principal of Belle Isle Enterprise High School, set to open in Fall 2027. With 15 years of experience in education and school leadership, DeForest brings a strong commitment to student success in his role as the founding principal MICHAEL DeFOREST of the new school. DeForest began his career in OKCPS as a classroom teacher at Roosevelt Middle School before earning his master’s degree in school administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2014. Over the past nine years, he has held multiple leadership roles in Edmond Public Schools, most recently as principal of Summit Middle School. Continuing his commitment to lifelong learning, DeForest began doctoral studies in education leadership at Southern Nazarene University in the summer of 2024 and is on track to complete his degree in 2027.
See PAGEANT, Page 7
See SCHOOL, Page 5
By Rose Lane Editor The Miss Oklahoma City Scholarship Competition crowned its 2026 winners: Katelyn Woods, who captured the Miss OKC title with her vibrant jazz en pointe performance to “Feel It Still,” and Emery Stewart, the new Miss OKC Teen 2026, who wowed with a jazz dance to “Life of the Party.” Katelyn is the daughter of Katie and Charlie Ednies, and Emery is the daughter of Lindsay and Kyle Stewart. The evening also celebrated the accomplishments of outgoing titleholders Elizabeth Gibson (Miss OKC
From left: 2025 Miss OKC Teen Chloe Cavinder, 2026 Miss OKC Teen Emery Stewart, 2026 Miss OKC Katelyn Woods and 2025 Miss OKC Elizabeth Gibson.
2025) and Chloe Cavinder (Miss OKC Teen 2025), while welcoming a new class of young women who are to represent the city in the coming year. Two former Miss Oklahoma titleholders, Ashleigh Robinson (2021) and Lauren Frost (2023), hosted the program. A legacy intertwined with Oklahoma
City’s history. Founded in 1923 — just two years after the first Miss America Pageant — the Miss Oklahoma City organization has been a steady presence through the heart of Oklahoma’s story. As Oklahoma celebrates 118 years of statehood, organizers said Miss OKC cele-
Village installs memorial plaque honoring Cathy Cummings By Eric Oesch Staff Writer A plaque commemorating the life and contributions of former Village Mayor and Ward 4 Councilman Cathy Cummings was installed in The
Civic Plaza last week. Cummings died in February following a short battle with gallbladder cancer at the age of 62. Cummings is best known for championing the construction of the $8.9 million Civic Plaza adjacent
to the Love’s Corporate Head-quarters on Vinyard Boulevard in The Village. The Civic Plaza project was the result of a massive Tax Increment District created by the city council in See VILLAGE, Page 5
Blaine Kirk receives Bronze Medal Heritage Hall junior Blaine Kirk, ‘27, has received The Congressional Award Bronze Medal. Three years ago, Blaine began the journey of participating in the program, completing documentation and requesting references in areas of community service, personal development, physical fitness, as well as completing a week-long outdoor expedition. Established in 1979, The Congressional Award is the United States Congress' only charity and the highest honor awarded to a youth civilian through the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The program recognizes initiative, service, and achievement in youth ages 13 1/2 to 23 with multiple certificates and award levels. Blaine is an Eagle Scout with BSA Troop 4 and the son of Sandra and Dr. Michael Kirk.
A plaque commemorating the life and contributions of former Village Mayor and Ward 4 Councilman Cathy Cummings was installed in The Civic Plaza.
FRIDAY’s
Dogs of the Week Ella Mae and Bonnie Blue just turned six! Their parents, Michelle and Gary Stockbridge are hoping they will outgrow the "puppy stage" by age 10. All shenanigans are forgiven when they look at the dogs’ sweet faces. Email Pet of the Week submissions with complete descriptions to: rose@okcfriday.com. BLAINE KIRK