{
    "title": "Oklahoma Hall of Fame Hosts Road to 100 Luncheon in Durant",
    "modified_at": "2026-10-27 10:30:03",
    "published_at": "2026-10-27 10:30:00",
    "url": "https://ohof-news.prezly.com/oklahoma-hall-of-fame-hosts-road-to-100-luncheon-in-durant",
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    "subtitle": "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE",
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    "body": "<p><strong>DURANT, OK - OCTOBER 27, 2026: </strong>The Oklahoma Hall of Fame hosted a luncheon at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Headquarters on Tuesday, October 20 as part of its Road to 100 event series. As the organization approaches its centennial in 2027, it is hosting luncheons in 13 different cities and towns to celebrate 100 years of impact, promote educational programs, and connect with Oklahomans from all corners of the state.</p><p>Durant event co-hosts Chief Gary Batton and Amy Anne Ford welcomed luncheon guests on Tuesday. Oklahoma Hall of Fame President &amp; CEO Shannon L. Rich spoke about the work and accomplishments of the organization in the Durant area, as well as its plans for the future.</p><p>Since 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame has honored the stories of remarkable individuals who have called Oklahoma home. With a focus on expanding access to educational and historical resources, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame provides classroom curriculum, free Museum tours, book donations through its publishing department, scholarships, and more. By touring the state, the organization aims to amplify the unique stories and spirit of each community and better connect communities with its free educational resources.</p><blockquote>&quot;It is an honor to be part of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and to help share its mission across our state,&quot; said Durant district co-Chair Chief Gary Batton. &quot;The Hall of Fame does more than recognize achievement. It preserves the stories that define Oklahoma and inspires future generations to see what is possible when Oklahomans lead, serve and make a difference.&quot;</blockquote><p>During the event, Dian Jordan, a board director for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, shared the impact and reach of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame&#039;s publishing department and Library Distribution Program.</p><p>Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and 2020 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductee Gary Batton spoke about the the importance of showcasing what is possible in this state, inspiring future generations of Oklahomans, and building strong communities through strong relationships.</p><p>The Oklahoma Hall of Fame Road to 100 celebration will continue in other towns and cities across the state thanks to support from Statewide Honorary co-chairs and Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductees Tricia Everest (Class of 2019), Christy Everest (Class or 2004), and Vince Gill (Class of 1997) and District co-chairs from each stop on the tour.</p><p>The next Road to 100 luncheon will take place in Shawnee, Oklahoma. For more information about the Road to 100 visit the Oklahoma Hall of Fame <a href=\"https://www.oklahomahof.com/road-to-100\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">website</a>. Those interested in attending an event should sign up for updates at the bottom of the webpage.</p><hr /><p style=\"text-align: center\">###</p><p><strong>ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME:</strong> Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame tells Oklahoma&rsquo;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&rsquo;s Highest Honor. For more information, visit <a href=\"http://www.oklahomahof.com/\">www.oklahomahof.com</a>.</p><div class=\"release-content-contact\" id=\"contact-bd631f44-f81a-4115-bba5-5716c783cb40\">\n    <div class=\"release-content-contact__avatar\"><img src=\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/643d7aa5-738f-46fa-a078-8ddfd2d378c6/-/scale_crop/128x128/center/-/format/auto/\" alt=\"Michelle Sopp\" class=\"release-content-contact__avatar-image\" /></div>\n    <div class=\"release-content-contact__details\">\n        <strong class=\"release-content-contact__name\">Michelle Sopp</strong>\n        <em class=\"release-content-contact__description\">Media Contact: VP of Strategic Communications, Oklahoma Hall of Fame</em>\n        <ul class=\"release-content-contact__details-list\"><li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"mailto:ms@oklahomahof.com\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"ms@oklahomahof.com\"><svg class=\"icon icon-paper-plane release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-paper-plane\"></use>\n            </svg>ms@oklahomahof.com</a></li>\n<li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"tel:405.523.3207\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"405.523.3207\"><svg class=\"icon icon-phone release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-phone\"></use>\n            </svg>405.523.3207</a></li>\n<li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"tel:913.972.1337\"  class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"913.972.1337\"><svg class=\"icon icon-mobile release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-mobile\"></use>\n            </svg>913.972.1337</a></li>\n<li class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item\"><a href=\"https://oklahomahof.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"release-content-contact__details-list-item-link\" title=\"oklahomahof.com\"><svg class=\"icon icon-browser release-content-contact__details-list-item-icon\">\n                <use xlink:href=\"#icon-browser\"></use>\n            </svg>oklahomahof.com</a></li></ul>\n    </div>\n</div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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