OAL E Class XX I
The Oklahoma Youth Expo would not be possible without the greatest individuals in the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture, and this year’s Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Encounter class members are certainly no exception. OALE is a program designed to expand the knowledge of the agricultural industry for today’s young adults, which is a major focus for the Oklahoma Youth Expo board of directors and staff. Class members have the opportunity to travel across the state and absorb industry knowledge as well as gain exposure to the legislative process firsthand. Finally, the students will have the opportunity to join ‘The Greatest Show’ as an invaluable staff member. It is with great pleasure we introduce the 2023-24 class of OALE students who are the future of our tomorrow.
ALEXIS LAKE LARAMIE, WYOMING A native of southeast Wyoming, Lake found her passion for agriculture at a young age through her involvement in 4-H, FFA and showing livestock. Now an animal science senior at OSU, Lake previously attended Butler Community College to judge livestock and was recently deemed an All-American. Upon completion of her bachelors degree, Alexis hopes to pursue higher education within meat science.
The Greatest Show | OYE | 2024
KYRA ELLIOTT CALUMET, OKLAHOMA
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Growing up in central Oklahoma, Elliott was raised on a club lamb operation where she spent many years showing lambs across the United States. A meat science and agribusiness senior at OSU, Elliott has cultivated a strong passion for meat science, specifically in the field of research and development. In the coming year, Elliott plans to begin her master’s degree in meat science and begin a career in the industry following.
BILLY MARCHY CERES, CALIFORNIA Joining us from the Pacific Coast, Marchy was raised on a fourth-generation dairy farm. Aside from involvement in the barn, Marchy and his family also farmed almonds, corn and hay. Now an agribusiness senior, Marchy is involved in a variety of organizations across campus and hopes to one day pursue a career in agriculture and own his own farm.
PAYTON LYYSKI ELLENSBURG, WASHINGTON With roots in Washington state, Lyyski has been involved in agriculture her entire life. Showing her first bottle calf at three years old, Lyyski showed steers throughout the Pacific Northwest. When she first attended OSU, she decided to major in accounting and now hopes to obtain her CPA after graduation in May 2024 with the goal of serving as an accountant in the agricultural industry.
MASON SMITH ELK CITY, OKLAHOMA An agribusiness senior from Elk City, Oklahoma, Smith is a fifth-generation agriculturalist who grew up showing lambs, a tradition his family continues to this day. Smith served as a legislative intern this past spring, solidifying his interest in agricultural policy. After he graduates in May 2025, Smith seeks to serve Oklahoma farmers and ranchers by attending law school and diving in to agricultural law.
