LEADERS ON THE HORIZON The Oklahoma Youth Expo would not be The Greatest Show if it was not for everyone who works so hard to make it possible, and this year’s Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Encounter class members are certainly no exception. The Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Encounter, better known as OALE, is a program designed to expand the knowledge of the agricultural industry for today’s young adults. Expansion and extension of the educational component of the Oklahoma Junior Livestock Program through production agriculture is a major goal of the Oklahoma Youth Expo board of directors and staff. It is only through such emphasis on education that future leaders are devel-
oped and cultivated. The Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Encounter will help class members secure and grow their knowledge base and skills by presenting opportunities to explore the Industry of Agriculture. This will benefit not only our local communities but our state and nation as well. Class members will also gain exposure to the legislative process and see firsthand how it affects the agricultural industry. Finally, the students will have the opportunity to join The Greatest Show as an invaluable staff member.
MAKENZIE BARNES-ELKINS COALGATE, OKLAHOMA Makenzie Barnes-Elkins is an Oklahoma State University senior pursuing a degree in agricultural communications. She enjoys helping others and lending a helping hand in hopes of making life a little better for those around her. This has provided her with a passion that will lead her to work as an event coordinator for an agriculture-based organization.
RYAN CALLAHAN EDMOND, OKLAHOMA Ryan Callahan is a senior at Oklahoma State University, studying animal science, with a minor in accounting. At OSU, he is involved in intramural basketball and is an active member of the OSU Livestock Judging Team. Callahan plans to attend law school after graduating from OSU, and he later plans to continue his family’s tradition of raising Angus cattle.
