Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Elite cheerleader bounces back from shooting Ashleigh Callahan O’Colly Contributor
Hayden Alexander
Freshman Gabby Medina stopped by the “Star Wars” event visited with Pete’s Pet Posse member Oakley Rose before her afternoon final on Monday.
‘Star Wars’ themed pups destress students during finals Hayden Alexander Staff Reporter The force is strong with OSU’s pups. Pete’s Pet Posse, in partnership with University Counseling Services, Department of Wellness and OSU Study Abroad, put on their annual “Star Wars” event Monday. Students came out to enjoy time with the Posse and some fun “Star Wars” activities. Usually, the event takes place on
May 4 to celebrate Star Wars Day or May the Fourth Be With You, but the holiday fell on a Saturday this year. Pete’s Pet Posse’s Kim Sutton said they moved the event to Monday, dubbed by fans “Revenge of the 6th,” so students would not miss out on the galaxy far, far away. “A lot of students around here really love ‘Star Wars,’ so we try to compass all students on campus,” Sutton said. “This time of year is great for those kids who are ‘Star Wars’ fans.” Sutton’s dog Oakley Rose
was dressed for the occasion, sporting an adorable Ewok costume. Oakley’s Ewok ensemble brought smiles, but some of her fellow therapy dogs took it a step further. Two pups in attendance bore the names of characters from “Star Wars.” Naturally, their owners are huge fans. LeAnne Hutchins is the mom of Luke, a Great Pyrenees mix. She said she named him after Luke Skywalker and his twin is named after Han Solo, two of the most iconic characters. See Pups on 8
Cowboy Innovation Accelerator has announced Cowboy Leaders Network mentor program Courtesy of OSU News The Cowboy Innovation Accelerator, housed within The Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University, announced the launch of the Cowboy Leaders Network mentor program. This initiative marks a significant milestone in fostering leadership and innovation within the OSU ecosystem, as it brings together a select group of senior business leaders to mentor and guide aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. Their participation is
a key piece of the Cowboy Innovation Accelerator and provides guidance throughout the technology commercialization process. “The launch of our mentor program represents a pivotal moment for both the Cowboy Innovation Accelerator and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Chelsea Fitzgerald, business development associate overseeing the program. “By connecting seasoned technology-based company executives and founders with promising entrepreneurs, we aim to not only foster the next generation of innovators but also create a supportive network that encourages collaboration, learning and growth.”
The inaugural mentor group comprises individuals renowned for their expertise and accomplishments across multiple industries, with several having experience in energy, aerospace, agriculture, and One Health. Mentors’ backgrounds span various leadership roles within a range of companies such as Accenture, Select Milk Producers, Proagrica, Symantec, FLIR Systems, and KICKER. Their dedication to nurturing emerging talent underscores the commitment of the Cowboy Innovation Accelerator to drive impactful change and cultivate a culture of innovation within the region. See Leaders on 6
started to realize I was there because her hand started moving.” Visiting the hospital was a tough experience for Tonner, unfamiliar with After midnight, a such situations. As Washtragedy struck outside an Austin, Texas, H-E-B park- ington started to wake up, ing lot that changed Payton she discovered she had been shot several times and Washington’s life. After cheer practice, knew she wasn’t making it Washington and her team- to worlds, a national cheerleading competition. mate Heather Roth ap“It did rupture my proached what they thought was their vehicle but were spleen, I had two shots in my stomach, a loaf of my startled to find a man sitpancreas, and two shots in ting in the passenger seat. They quickly realized their my diaphragm,” Washingmistake—it wasn’t their car ton said. “I was devastated and torn that I couldn’t at all. compete with my team on Without hesitation, my last year of All-Star they exited the vehicle, cheer.” exchanging apologetic Something about glances before locating their car nearby. The girls Washington made the thought everything was fine recovery and situation a lot tougher than normal until the moment the man began to get out of the car. recoveries. At six months “The man then threw old, she was faced with a critical health challenge: a up his hands, pulled out a gun and started shooting,” cystic malformation on her right lung. This is a malWashington said. In the wake of a trau- formation (non-cancerous) matic shooting incident on mass of abnormal lung April 18, 2023, Washington tissue is usually located on one section of the lung. To was shot three times, one in the back and two in her ensure her well-being at right leg. The injuries were such a young age, surgeons opted to remove the afcritical to Washington fected lung entirely, helping because she grew up with any potential risks or damonly one lung. age in her later years. Despite facing the Given the limited critical injuries and several capacity of her lungs, the months of rehab, Washingprocess in development of ton’s team initiated a sucthe lung typically comcessful GoFundMe campaign to cover her medical pletes around the age of expenses as well as to help nine. Young athletes like Washington are encouraged go through a successful recovery. All cheerleaders to prioritize lung strength building exercises to build nationwide came together their respiratory capacities with the creation of a for optimal health and perhashtag, “#Pray4Payton.” formance upon full growth. Roth declined to “Since I now only comment on her experience have one lung at the start in the incident. of a young age, the doctors Washington was always close with her gym, wanted me to get in a sport and build up my lung,” team and coach of eight years, Kevin Tonner. After Washington said. “They said ‘Let’s get it strong and the shooting, ambulances pumping,’ so thats how I were called and Washfell in love with the sport.” ington was taken to the Through the years hospital. before the shooting inciTonner was the first to hear about the incident. dent, Washington won four World Silver Medals, 10 He flew to the hospital at 2 a.m. to make sure Wash- NCA championships and three Major championington was OK and not in ships. She was a known critical condition. star athlete in the cheer “It was tough, the world. She cheered for nafirst time I walked in the tionally ranked high-level room her mom was there team the Generals, based and just sat for a second out of Woodlands Elite holding Payton’s hand,” cheer gym in Texas. Tonner said. “I think she See Cheerleader on 5
Courtesy of Payton Washington
Payton Washington had a ruptured spleen, two shots in her stomach and diaphragm after she was shot in an H-E-B parking lot.