99th Annual Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Celebrates New Inductees, Local Talent, Scholarship Recipient and More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY – NOVEMBER 13, 2026 – On Thursday, November 12, eight remarkable Oklahomans received our state’s Highest Honor, Sandi Patty was named Ambassador of Goodwill, Preston Foster received an $8,000 scholarship and the statewide impact of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Teen Board was highlighted.
EIGHT INDIVIDUALS INDUCTED INTO THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME
Masters of Ceremonies D. Scott Petty and J. C. Watts, Jr. (Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2019) emceed the 99th Annual Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The event was attended by 850+ people who joined in celebrating Oklahoma's remarkable individuals.
During the ceremony, eight Oklahomans were inducted in the following order: Mary F. McCormick was presented by William C. Wantland; Dwight W. Birdwell was presented by Rex Earl Starr; Ann Felton Gilliland was presented by Stephen Friot; Bruce T. Benbrook was presented by Julia Benbrook; Joseph R. Castiglione was presented by Joe Buck; Ann W. Hargis was presented by Jill Donovan; Ross O. Swimmer was presented by Joe Swimmer; and Sherri Coale was presented by Cathy Keating.
With the addition of these individuals, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame now boasts 760 Inductees. Portraits of the newest Inductees are on display at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gallery. Information on all Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductees can be found online at www.oklahomahof.com/hof/inductees.
The Induction Ceremony will be available for viewing on OETA on Saturday, November 21st at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 22nd at 10:00 a.m. It will also be available on Spectrum YurView and on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame YouTube page.
SANDI PATTY NAMED AMBASSADOR OF GOODWILL
Sandi Patty, the most awarded female vocalist in Gospel music history, was named an Oklahoma Ambassador of Goodwill at the 99th Annual Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Patty performed "The Voice I Have Now" and "Love In Any Language" during the Induction Ceremony, adding to the evening's celebration.
Born in Oklahoma City, Patty's music career has spanned nearly five decades. After years of performing for a largely Christian music fanbase, Patty gained national attention for her performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. She went on to perform in hundreds of concerts, for televised events, and alongside symphonies across the country. She has amassed five Grammy Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three platinum records, five gold records, and an astounding 40 Dove Awards. Following her Forever Grateful farewell world tour, Patty retired as a full-time touring musician in 2017. In celebration of a milestone birthday, Patty returned to the spotlight with the release of her first single in over a decade in August 2026 and an album to come in 2027. For more about Sandi Patty, visit her website.
OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED
During the Induction Ceremony’s pre-show, the 2026-27 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Scholarship recipient was announced as Preston Foster. Foster is a high school senior at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics. From Canton, Oklahoma, he plans to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater to study physics and mathematics. He wants to pursue a career in the aerospace and defense industry.
“I have watched Preston grow from a talented young student with a natural aptitude for mathematics and science into an exceptionally accomplished scholar and independent thinker," said Marisa Evans, Canton High School Principal. "He possesses tremendous intellectual curiosity, determination, and a genuine desire to apply what he learns to complex, real-world problems."
The Oklahoma Hall of Fame Scholarship is awarded over a four-year period to one Oklahoma high school senior attending an in-state college or university. The recipient is chosen based on leadership roles, civic and community involvement, academic achievement, and knowledge of our great state. The Oklahoma Scholarship fund was created predominately by the personal donations of Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductees who seek to encourage and inspire the next generation of Oklahoma leaders. This year, the scholarship increased from $6,000 to $8,000. The scholarship is awarded each November, and the recipient is invited to attend the annual Induction Ceremony. More information about scholarships offered can be found on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame website.
MISSION MOMENT HIGHLIGHTS OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME TEEN BOARD
Each year during the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, a Mission Moment video showcases the impact of the organization's programs. This year, the video highlighted the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Teen Board, a leadership and service opportunity for high school students from across the state.
Teen Board members are dedicated to learning about Oklahoma's history and people, and they have unique opportunities to connect with local and state leaders. The annual Teen Board fundraiser benefits educational programs including Oklahoma Hall of Fame Free Field Trips. Through group projects and leadership roles, Teen Board members connect with peers from all corners of the state, strengthening their professional skills and state pride along the way.
“I learned all the things that I could do well, how to connect better with others, and how to just be my best self," said Lexi Mann when asked about her time on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Teen Board. "It really allowed me to see my place in not just my small town in my community, but allowed me to see that I can have a place in the entire state of Oklahoma and really make an impact that will last for many years to come.”
More information about the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Teen Board can be found on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame website.
MEDIA KIT: https://ohof-news.prezly.com/media/album/54566
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ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME: Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame tells Oklahoma’s story through its people. From diverse statewide programming to the historic Gaylord-Pickens Museum, the organization creates an enhanced sense of pride for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame was created to honor extraordinary Oklahomans and to provide educational programming for students of all ages. Induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is recognized as Oklahoma’s Highest Honor. For more information, visit www.oklahomahof.com.
