By Conrad Dudderar
Staff Writer
Three Yukon teachers have been named winners of an annual program that recognizes Oklahoma’s next generation of high achievers.
“NexGen Under 30” honorees for 2022 include Yukon High School math teacher Carlos Ramirez, Parkland Elementary special education teacher Rylee Rankin and Surrey Hills Elementary physical education teacher Sarah Haueter.
There were 41 people selected as NexGen Under 30 winners in the Education K-12 category, and three are employed by Yukon Public Schools.
“Yukon Public Schools is very proud to have these three amazing young professionals represent our district and, more importantly, teach our students,” YPS communications specialist Peter Agnitsch said. “They go above and beyond for their school and the community of Yukon.
“To have three teachers out of 41 win is a terrific example of why Yukon is one of the top destinations for teachers in our state.”
Oklahoma’s NextGen Under 30 Leadership and Award Recognition Program was founded in 2011.
The program recognizes young adult over-achievers ages 30 years or younger who demonstrate talent, drive and service to their communities.
Yukon’s Ramirez, Rankin and Haueter will be honored at the 2022 NextGen Under 30 Awards Dinner and Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 21 at Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Norman.
Former Gov. Frank Keating spoke at Next Gen Under 30 Oklahoma’s 2021 awards banquet.
“We just hope to see you in the future, in public life and in private life, advancing the interests of our glorious, wonderful state,” Gov. Keating told honorees.
PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma is to recognize and encourage the next generation of innovative, creative and inspiring individuals who “push the boundaries in various categories of endeavor,” according to its website.
Award winners are selected based on their participation in and contribution to their communities. A panel of respected business and civic leaders serve as judges.
In NextGen Under 30’s first 11 years, some 2,890 award winners have been selected from 9,755 nominees representing more than 421 companies and organizations in cities and towns across Oklahoma.
Other award categories besides Education K-12 are Adult and Higher Education, Animal Care, The Arts, Aviation, Energy and Transportation, Finance, Healthcare, Hospitality, The Law; Manufacturing, Industry, the Trades, and Agriculture; Media, Public Relations, Marketing, and Advertising; Non-Profit Organization, Policy and Public Service, Real Estate, Retail and E-Commerce; Science, Technology and Engineering; Sports and Outdoors, Staffing, Tourism, and Other.
