Camp Fire USA Presents Highest Award to Central Oklahoma Youth

Ten Graduating Seniors from the Heart of Oklahoma Council Recognized

Teaching, giving service, leadership, and advocacy—that’s how hundreds of teenagers across the country use their time each week as they work toward the WoHeLo Award, Camp Fire USA’s highest honor.

By earning the WoHeLo Award, these young people join an elite group of current and former Camp Fire USA members who have succeeded in completing all of the requirements to achieve the award.

Those who take on the rigorous task of completing the WoHeLo Award typically start working on the requirements when they are in 9th grade. Each of the candidates demonstrate their commitment to advocacy through the work they do on 3 different issues, such as giving service to the deaf, helping at an animal shelter, working with a hospice unit; in addition each candidate must have a solid dedication and appreciation of Camp Fire USA’s history and values.

“Earning your WoHeLo Award takes many hours of time spent learning, advocating, and educating others about issues that impact our lives and communities,” said Susan Williams, senior program director for the Heart of Oklahoma Council and former WoHeLo Award recipient. “These youth must be self-starters and organized, and have a true desire to make a difference in the world around them.”

The word WoHeLo, also the organization’s motto, comes from the first two letters of the words work, health, and love. Each year nearly 200 youth across the nation receive the esteemed award.

Camp Fire USA Heart of Oklahoma Council presented 10 graduating seniors with the WoHeLo Award at its Grand Council Fire held on April 26 in Oklahoma City. This year’s recipients are:

• Ariel Brison – Ariel attends Ardmore High School where she participates in cheerleading and track, and is also a camp counselor. Ariel plans to attend Murray State College on a cheerleading scholarship and will pursue a degree in nursing. She is the daughter of Alicia and Bo Waddell.


• Janine Clark – Janine attends Westmoore High School where she participates in choir, and is also active in many church activities. Janine plans to attend Oklahoma City Community College for the first two years and then transfer to a four year college. She is the daughter of Jamie and Barry Clark.


• Shelby Dodd – Shelby is an 11-year Camp Fire USA member, and attends Ardmore High School where she is active in FCCLA, National Honor Society, and Varsity Basketball. Shelby plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and major in Pediatric Nursing. She is the daughter of Sheila Manuel and Charles Dodd.


• Caitlin Hulin – Caitlin is a Camp DaKaNi counselor, and she attends Westmoore High School where she participates in choir and First Robotics. Caitlin plans to attend the University of Oklahoma to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering, and to join the Air Force. She is the daughter of Mary Hulin.


• Cate Lynn – Cate is a 13-year Camp Fire USA member and is a Camp DaKaNi counselor. She attends Westmoore High School where she is involved in band, colorguard, National Honor Society, Multicultural Club, and National French Honor Society. Cate plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and major in music performance and medicine. She is the daughter of Catherine Quintis and John Lynn.


• Joshua Matlock – Joshua is a 13-year Camp Fire USA member, a Camp DaKaNi counselor, and an Americorps Member. He attends Mustang High School and is active in National Honor Society and soccer. Joshua plans to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University. He is the son of Frank and Jannie Matlock.


• Cassie McCain – Cassie is a 13-year Camp Fire USA member, and attends Edmond Memorial High School where she participates in band, colorguard, the Sign Language Club, and the drama team. Cassie plans to attend East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma majoring in sign language, and then go to law school. She is the daughter of Christie Chapman.


• LaTasha Thrash – LaTasha attends Westmoore High School where she participates in choir, basketball, student council, and Key Club. LaTasha plans to attend Oklahoma City Community College to complete her basic requirements and then transfer to the University of Oklahoma to pursue a degree in nursing. She is the daughter of Brenda and Richard Collier.


• Kortney VanBuskirk – Kortney is a 13-year Camp Fire USA member and was a camp counselor at Lake Murray Camp Out. She attends Lone Grove High School and participates in National Honor Society, Key Club, FCA and cheerleading. Kortney plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma to major in Chemistry/Pre-pharmacy with a minor in leadership. She is the daughter of Johnny and Alicia VanBuskirk.


• Callie White – Callie is a 13-year Camp Fire USA member and Camp DaKaNi Counselor. She attends Westmoore High School and is a member of the speech team, the student council, and FCA. Callie plans to attend Mid-America Christian University in the fall and will major in Secondary Education so that she can be a government teacher.