Seminole State College sophomore Ryan Carlisle, of Arapaho, attended the Nigh Institute Leadership Academy held in Oklahoma City Feb. 3-6.

Carlisle joined college students from across the state for the four-day academy. Over the course of the event, Carlisle and his peers volunteered at the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank, enjoyed an OKC Thunder game, toured the Oklahoma City National Memorial, visited the Bob Funk Ranch and experienced the First Americans Museum.

Students listened to presentations by Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) Chancellor Dr. Allison Garrett, Executive Director of the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors Bobby Stem and Former Gov. George Nigh and First Lady Donna Nigh.

“It was an awesome experience, one I’ll never forget,” Carlisle said. “Not Only did we get to hear about George and Donna Nigh’s time as Governor and First Lady, but we also got to hear their life stories, which was very impactful.”

Carlisle is a graduate of Arapaho-Butler High School. He is the son of Jeff and Jeana Carlisle. He is studying business and finance at SSC. He is a member of the President’s Leadership Class and the Trojans men’s golf team.

“I think the biggest takeaway was the relationships that were made within the academy. Within four days, the Nigh scholars went from strangers to close friends,” Carlisle said.

The George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship was established on April 19, 1999, by the Oklahoma State Legislature and former Gov. Frank Keating. The purpose of this scholarship is to allow each of the two- and four-year higher educational institutions, both public and private, to select and honor one student each year as a Nigh Scholar. Each student is selected and nominated by their institution’s president and receive a one-time $1,000 Leadership Scholarship.

This academy is supported by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, which contracts with the Nigh Leadership Academy for implementation. During the history of the academy, more than 700 students have been awarded the title of Nigh Scholar.