Leadership Awards Presented

The Oklahoma Community Institute recognized leaders from across this week at their annual Celebration Dinner. From a list of six exceptional individuals who were nominated for the award, two were selected to receive the 2008 Award of Excellence for Community Leadership. Selection for this award is based on the extent the nominee has impacted positive change in their community and really “stuck their neck out” on a project or program about which they are passionate.

As this year's two honorees, Phil Bandy of Ponca City and John Cary of Claremore received a check for $1,000 for the nonprofit organization of their choice. The cash award is made possible by longtime friend, and former chair, of the Community Institute, Dick Reynolds of Reynolds Autos.

A longtime resident and leader of Ponca City , Bandy has “been in the middle” of a wide variety of community organizations and initiatives ranging from the business sector to the cultural sector. He has been a member of Ponca's Main Street for more than 20 years and served as chair on two occasions. He has served as President of both the Ponca Playhouse and the Poncan Theatre. He coordinates and participates in the local historic reenactor group as the founder of Ponca City – B.S. Barnes. His dream is to have an outdoor theatre built at Kaw Lake with a live production by 2020.

The other honoree, John Cary from Claremore, has served his community in numerous leadership roles. He has been the catalyst and leader for a variety of community projects that have impacted Claremore. These include the purchase and renovation of the Hotel Will Rogers, which is now a Senior Apartment Center; the creation of the Claremore Convention and Visitors Bureau; and the designation of Claremore as an Oklahoma Main Street Community. Cary has also led the United Way and numerous other fundraising efforts for local churches and the Catholic Charities. All together, he has led the fundraising of more than $5 million for projects in his community.

According to OCI's Executive Director, Dana Shadid, “This is a highlight of our year. It is always so exciting to be able to recognize the work of local leaders and volunteers. Our only regret is that we don't have the financial resources to recognize more.”

Phone: 405/208-8882
Fax: 405/208-8885
E-mail: okcom@ocionline.org