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    Three friends, three schools
July 2, 2008

Positive peers

DHS grads to participate in big 12 presidential leadership councils

By Derrick Miller

DUNCAN — Three Duncan women took on high school and graduated in May. Now, all three are taking their leadership skills to the Big 12.

Haley Kincannon, Allie Blauch and Devon Vassella were all chosen for the President’s Leadership councils at their individual universities — Kincannon at Oklahoma State University, Blauch at University of Missouri and Vassella at the University of Oklahoma.

Each said being chosen to join a leadership council is a way for them to get involved in college after their involvement in high school.

“I’m pretty stoked,” Kincannon said.

Vassella said being included in the OU leadership council is a high form of flattery because so few people are chosen.

“I think it’s pretty big,” she said. “Only one person from Duncan is chosen.”

In Blauch’s case, becoming a leader at her university is a bit more selective because fewer students are chosen for the honor. Only 50 applicants are chosen at MU, whereas at OU, about 105 were chosen from 3,000 aspirants.

“It’s pretty exciting to be set in leadership in a new school,” Blauch said.

They said their high school careers have worked toward this moment, whether they knew it or not. They said their extracurricular activities were taken into account during the selection process. Kincannon said she strove to take part in numerous activities while earning her high school diploma.

“It’s about being involved as possible,” she said.

Vassella said high school was about being a positive influence.

“It’s about trying to be a role model for peers and lower classmen,” she said.

For Blauch, the selection process was about having a positive, loyal attitude toward school.

“It’s showing dedication for your school,” she said.

Because she is going to college out of state, she had to apply to the program. Because Kincannon and Vassella are going in state, their college applications were considered in place of the extra form.

They all said they are looking forward to the leadership council because of the chance they get to interact with people who have similar interests and a chance to help others.

Vassella said her retreat for the council will be in September.

“I can’t wait to be with that awesome group of people,” she said.

Kincannon’s gets started in July.

“I am kind of excited about the community service,” she said.

Blauch said she is excited about the experience.

“(It’s) a year-long experience as a leader and a person,” she said.

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