The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) has formally recognised a wide range of individuals and organisations for their contributions to child welfare across the state, announcing an extensive list of award recipients as part of its annual honours programme. The announcement, released in the wake of the Thanksgiving holiday, underscores the organisation’s message of gratitude for the continued efforts of those working to support young people in Oklahoma.
OICA emphasised that the awards are intended to highlight exemplary leadership, innovation, and service within child advocacy fields. The organisation noted that the 2025 nominations demonstrated the breadth of ongoing work undertaken by professionals, volunteers and community groups. Its board selected winners across multiple categories, representing areas such as health care, education, journalism, community leadership and public service.
Youth Advocacy, Health and Education Award Recipients
Among the honourees was high school freshman Addison Sams, who received the Jasmine and Melvin Moran Kidizenship Award for her role as a Student Advocate with the Oklahoma Chapter of Decoding Dyslexia. The Laura Choate Resilience Award was presented to Dr Bradley Mays, Advocacy & Training Coordinator for the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma.
The Dr Dwight Sublett Health Care Award was presented to Dr Ashley Weedn, a board-certified paediatrician and Assistant Professor at the OU Health Sciences Center. In education, the Sandy Garrett Educator Award went to Teresa Eichenberger, a Tulsa Public Schools teacher credited with supporting students within the Tulsa Juvenile Detention Center, contributing to the facility’s first two in-programme graduates.
Community, Journalism and Inclusion Honours
Community leadership was acknowledged through the Ray and Pat Potts Community Leader Award, presented to Mayor Kim Peterson for involvement in several civic and youth-focused organisations. The Burnes/Lichtenstein Journalism Award was presented to John Small, managing editor of The Johnston County Sentinel in Tishomingo.
Author Mariana Llanos received the Senator Judy Eason McIntyre Inclusion Award for her contributions to children’s literature and inclusive storytelling.
Public Servant and Child Advocacy Categories
The Jon Hansen Public Servant Award recognised two winners: Penny Lewis, Assistant Manager at the Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Center, and Detective Landon Gary of the Ardmore Police Department, known for his specialised work in child crime investigations.
The Steven A. Novick Child Advocacy Award also recognised dual recipients: Jill Mencke, child well-being specialist at the Oklahoma Policy Institute, and Stephen Garvin, a former Human Services employee who helped shape Citizens for Children, a Stephens County nonprofit dedicated to supporting biological families.
Legal, Corporate and Volunteer Recognition
Attorney Cameron Spradling received the Jari Askins Justice for Children Award for his civil representation of children, survivors of sexual abuse and victims of violent crimes.
Corporate support for youth initiatives was highlighted through the H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt Corporate Citizen Award, presented to Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores.
OICA also presented the CEO’s Recognition Award to Dr Amy Emerson, a Tulsa child advocate with extensive involvement in youth-focused initiatives, and named James “Tony” Willis as Volunteer of the Year.
Previously Announced 2025 Honourees
Several additional award recipients were recognised earlier in the year, including:
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The Hon. Joe Eddins, winner of the Laura Body Public Servant Award.
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The Hon. Weldon Watson, recipient of the Henry Bellmon Public Servant Award.
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Justice Yvonne Kauger (retired), awarded the Kate Barnard Lifetime Achievement in Child Advocacy Award.
OICA also selected the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum as Organisation Advocate of the Year, recognising its role in elevating civility discussions with youth. Kim Garrett Funk received the Jay Scott Brown Individual Advocate of the Year Award for her work with Palomar as founder and Chief Visionary Officer.
Closing Acknowledgement
In concluding its annual recognition, OICA expressed appreciation for all award recipients and the broader child advocacy community, offering thanks to “everyone who has done exceptional work as child advocates” and emphasising continued gratitude for their contributions.
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