Brothers achieve Eagle rank together

Brothers Blake Allen Birdsell, age 18, and Tyler James Birdsell, age 16, have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank within the Boy Scouts of America program.

They are members of Troop 331 chartered to St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Edmond, under the direction of Scoutmaster Robert Phillips.

Blake demonstrated leadership to others in a service project benefiting Arcadia Lake, where he rebuilt two bridges on the hiking trails and repainted 10 BBQ grills for community use. Arcadia Lake has excellent opportunities for those who like to go mountain

Leonard

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Among her accomplishments, she developed an academic readiness program to meet needs of students with learning differences. She previously served on the National Board of American Mothers.

“Carrie Leonard has a passion for the arts and her background in volunteering on different related boards and other nonprofits made her a perfect fit,” said Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat. “As a constituent and friend, it was an honor to carry her confirmation and vote to confirm her in the Senate. I know she will serve the Arts Council well, while upholding its mission and contributing to its continued success.”

Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Amber Sharples said, “With a heart for volun-

FRIDAY Fumbles

In the June 30, 2023 Celebrate Oklahoma edition of OKC FRIDAY, Inasmuch President and CEO Robert J. Ross was misidentified as William “Bob” Ross. Former United Way of Central Oklahoma Sherri Lance was also misidentified as Sherri Nance. The newspaper regrets the errors.

biking, hiking and horseback riding. Totaling 13 miles of beautiful landscape and scenery, there's plenty of room for such use.

Tyler demonstrated leadership to others in a service project benefiting St. Monica’s Catholic Church, where he built four new raised garden beds so that food can be grown for the community. Vitality, youth and energy are key words to describe St. Monica Catholic Church which has grown from 174 families to 1,200 families since its founding in 1993. Mass is celebrated on weekdays and four times each weekend.

teering and an understanding of the investment and tools required to change lives, Carrie brings important perspective with her to our council and to the work of our agency employing the arts as transformative tools in education and community. With arts-specific board expe-

A favorite Scouting memory for Blake is attending Camp San Isabel and hanging out with his Scouting friends. A favorite Scouting memory for Tyler is attending Camp Alexander and hanging out with his Scouting friends.

When they are not Scouting, Blake and Tyler attend Epic Charter School, where they are both members of the National Honor Society. They are both also Blue Belt Jui Jitsu students.

Blake’s Scouting quote is “Be Prepared!” Tyler said “camp is what a boy looks forward to in Scouting.” rience, she also brings inherent knowledge of the needs of the organizations our agency serves statewide. Carrie is a great fit for our governing body, and I am eager to harness her compassion and experience.”

They are the sons of John and Louise Birdsell.

The Oklahoma Arts Council is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts. The agency’s governing body is comprised of 15 appointed citizens representing communities throughout the state. Among its duties, the Council oversees hundreds of grants awarded by the agency to organizations and schools statewide each year.