Leadership Newkirk announces 2021-2022 Class dates

By Everett Brazil, III

The Newkirk Herald Journal

NEWKIRK — Leadership Newkirk is gearing up for the 2021 – 2022 session, and community supporters interested in improving Newkirk are invited to participate to learn more about Newkirk and find ways to make it a better place to live and work.

There are only a few seats still open, and the application deadline is June 15.

The Leadership Newkirk program is chaired by Dawn Brakey, and will be fco-chaired by Misty Jordan, Kellie Johnson and Everett Brazil, III, all three of whom participated with the Class of 2020.

Leadership Newkirk is designed provide many educational opportunities and instill leadership skills in participants.

“Leadership Newkirk is a program where members of the community get to learn more about the community and social networking, and find more ways to get more involved in the community and how we can make it better,” Jordan said.

Leadership Newkirk will take place the last Tuesday of each month from September to April, 2022, with the exception of November and December, when it will be the third Tuesday in November and second Tuesday in December due to the holidays.

The first session will start at the Senior Citizens Center Sept. 28 with an orientation program for participants to learn about Leadership Newkirk and get acquainted with one another. Each following session will have a particular theme. Many will have a government concept, including city, county, state and tribal. Participants will also explore the business community of Newkirk, and tour Newkirk Public Schools, Pioneer Technology Center, the University Center and Northern Oklahoma College for an educational experience. The final session, April 27, will feature Newkirk Main Street and Chamber members in a graduation luncheon.

In addition to the sessions, the participants will be able to perform a community service project to benefit the community of Newkirk. The Class of 2020 was the first session to do a project, which saw the construction of special handicapped equipment for the Lions Park playground.

“I think every class should do a community service project because it is rewarding, and worth the time and effort for the community,” Johnson said.

Leadership Newkirk also offers many opportunities for participants not just during the classes, but ones that they can take with them for many years.

“It is a great way to network with other community members and business owners, and you can develop life-long friendships and business relationships,” Johnson said.

For many members, it is a truly enjoyable experience, as well.

“When I was in it in 2020, I had a lot of fun, and learned so much about the community,” Jordan said.

Applications are available for anyone who lives or works in Newkirk, and has an interest in the community. The deadline is June 15 on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $175, which covers food and transportation.

“Most employers cover the cost for their participants, as it get the business name out there,” Jordan said.

For more information, contact Newkirk Main Street at (580) 362-2377 or (580) 7