Our Team
STAFF MEMBERS
Alex Buckner, Executive Director
"Every young person has the ability to succeed, but too often, barriers can stand in the way of that potential. Young Scholars works to remove those barriers by providing students with meaningful relationships, mentorship, encouragement, and opportunities to thrive."-Alex Buckner
Kristin Towns, Marketing Specialist
“Watching students go from nervous middle schoolers to seeing them graduate from college “Stress Less” and returning to their communities to work their dream jobs makes this program special. I love being a part of it.” ―Kristin Towns
Addison Hunter, Administrative Assistant
"I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths." Proverbs 4:11
BOARD MEMBERS
John Donoghue, Vice-Chairman
“Having a reliable mentor and graduating from college can be two critical indicators of future life success."--John Donoghue
Cindy Dronyk, Board Member
"Young people are our hope for the future. I want to help young people become productive members of society. I want them to be involved in the community and give back so others may succeed."--Cindy Dronyk
Shawn Fanning, Board Member
“Life isn't finding shelter in the storm. It's about learning to dance in the rain"--Sherrilyn Kenyon
George Halkiades, Board Member
“Young Scholars of Bartlesville aims to help our youth become successful and productive students."--George Halkiades
David Nelson, Board Member
“Life isn't finding shelter in the storm. It's about learning to dance in the rain."--Sherrilyn Kenyon
Julie Pranger, Chairman
“I wholeheartedly believe in the mission of Young Scholars and that it has the potential to make a difference, not only in the students/families/mentors it impacts but also in the community and the economy as a whole. The program can potentially change the whole trajectory of a family for the better."--Julie Pranger
Kendra Rakes, Board Member
“Our potential is one thing. What we do is quite another." --Angela Duckworth
Vanessa Saucedo, Secretary
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."--Nelson Mandela
Member Pending, Treasurer
“You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself."--Galileo Galilei
Karen Lowe-Alton, Ex-Officio
“To educate is to change a person, our community, our state, and our nation."--Karen Lowe-Alton