![\"Michelle](\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/643d7aa5-738f-46fa-a078-8ddfd2d378c6/-/scale_crop/128x128/center/-/format/auto/\"){kind=avatar}
\n Michelle Sopp\n Media Contact: VP of Strategic Communications, Oklahoma Hall of Fame\n \n
\nOKLAHOMA CITY – APRIL 23, 2026 – Yesterday, more than $125,000 in cash scholarships and tuition grants were awarded to 111 Oklahoma high school students. These students earned top scores in the Oklahoma Scholarship Competition and were recognized at the annual Scholarship Awards Assembly on April 22 at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame | Gaylord-Pickens Museum.
Additionally, Lance McDaniel received the 2026 Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award in recognition of his volunteer, civic, and community efforts. The scholarships and the Lee Allan Smith Award are given together to inspire students toward service and to allow them to hear from a community leader.
This February and March, more than 1,200 high school students registered to participate in the Oklahoma Scholarship Competition and take an online Oklahoma history examination to qualify for more than $700,000 in scholarships. Of these, 18 students earned cash scholarships and 93 students earned tuition grants to 26 different Oklahoma universities and colleges. In total, 111 students in 51 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties earned more than $125,000 in scholarships.
"The high school students at yesterday's Scholarship Awards Assembly demonstrate incredible potential and commitment to growth and achievement," said Gini Moore Campbell, vice president of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. "Here at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, we work to show Oklahomans of all ages what is possible in this great state. We are honored to play a role in supporting the next generation of Oklahoma's leaders as they pursue education and opportunity."
Individual donors, along with Oklahoma colleges and universities, provided the cash scholarships and tuition grants in the counties of their choice. In addition to schools statewide offering tuition grants to students in various counties, eight made tuition grants available in all 77 counties.
The 2026 Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award was presented to Lance McDaniel during the program. McDaniel was present to accept the award and give remarks to the scholarship recipients and families in attendance.
"Changing the world isn't about being perfect," said Lance McDaniel. "It's about getting up every day and trying to make the world better for somebody besides yourself. You cannot change everyone's life, but you can absolutely change somebody's life."
The namesake award honors those whose efforts are similar to the life-long civic efforts of Lee Allan Smith. McDaniel commented on the legacy that Lee Allan Smith has left on our state.
"No one has worked harder to make Oklahoma great than Lee Allan Smith. He has spent his entire career, from radio and television to events, publicizing what's best about Oklahoma and making sure the world knows that there is far more to Oklahoma than what they see from the outside."
About Lance McDaniel:
Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, Lance McDaniel, is the founder and CEO of McDaniel Entertainment, a media company that specializes in writing, directing, producing, and consulting. McDaniel has worked on over 20 feature films, including the Oscar-winning film Million Dollar Baby. From 2010-2020, he served as executive director of Oklahoma City's deadCenter Film Festival, working to grow community outreach and education efforts, helping the organization earn the title of Oklahoma's Best Arts & Culture Nonprofit in 2018, among other awards. McDaniel is an active member of the Oklahoma City community through his work with various arts and education organizations and his current roles as president of the Downtown Rotary Club of Oklahoma City, trustee for Oklahoma City University, and chairman of the board for SixTwelve in the Paseo Arts District.
MEDIA KIT: Photos from the event of scholarship recipients and the Lee Allan Smith Award recipient
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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.
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