Guthrie Senior attends Leadership Conference

Guthrie Senior Katherine Espinoza recently attended the General Tommy Franks Four-Star Leadership Conference held at the University of Central Oklahoma. General Tommy Franks, originally from Wynnewood, served thirtyeight years in the United States Army and commanded Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq following the September 11th attacks.

This world-class summer leadership experience allows 80 top high school students across the nation to engage directly with inspirational leaders, including General Tommy Franks. Throughout the week, students heard from several presenters from distinct backgrounds, including military and political leaders, who shared their personal stories and testimonies which focused on the pillars of the leadership conference, the importance of character, communication, common vision, and caring. Keynote speakers included Green Beret Nick Lavery, University of Central Oklahoma President Todd Lamb, and rodeo cowboy Jet McCoy to name a few. Students also faced practical leadership and ethical scenarios, which they tackled individually in a persuasive speech and writing competition, as well as collaboratively in an Ethics Bowl competition. Katherine and her teammates placed first in the Ethics Bowl competition, each earning a scholarship to attend the University of Central Oklahoma.

Katherine joined JROTC her freshman year to improve her public speaking and overall confidence. She embraced the character and leader development opportunities at the core of the JROTC program. Katherine quickly demonstrated positive leadership attributes and became the Color Guard Commanderbythespring semester of her freshman year. Throughout her time in JROTC, she has attended the JROTC Cadet Leader Challenge Camp, the Military Order of the World Wars Youth Leadership Conference, where she returned as a camp counselor, and Girls’ State. She has performed in every leadership position and opportunity provided; from Squad Leader, Company Commander, to commander of the Scabbard and Blade Honor Society. She will serve as the Battalion Commander in her upcoming senior year.

Katherine plans to pursue a life of service. She is pursuing a career in the medical field and an Army ROTC scholarship to attend the University of Central Oklahoma. Upon completion of her degree and ROTC, she will commission as a 2d Lieutenant in the United States Army. In her own words, “Whether I am caring for patients in the medical field or serving as an officer in the military, I hope to carry the lessons I learned into every opportunity to make a positive difference.”