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TAHLEQUAH, OK - Five students from Sequoyah High School are participating in an educational program designed to involve students in their state government.

The program, called Oklahoma Close Up, is sponsored by the Oklahoma Bar Association. Students spend four days with government officials in Oklahoma City. They observe legislative sessions, sit in on legislative committee meetings, tour the State Capital Complex, and get a first hand look at how state government really works.

"Close Up will be a great experience for our students to observe how Oklahoma's government really works", said Gerald Livingston, government teacher at Sequoyah.

Those chosen to attend Oklahoma Close Up are Bonita Carey, Yanesa Charcoal, Josh Stone, Brandon Walker, and Ashley Wilson. Teacher sponsors for the program are Gerald and Kim Livingston.

Carey, 14, is a freshman. She is the daughter of Jimmy and Anita Carey of Hulbert. She is a member of the academic team, Cherokee Bowl Team, and the Cherokee Choir. Carey plans to attend Oklahoma University after graduation and hopes to become a doctor.

Charcoal, 16, is a junior. She is the daughter of Quahlahtah Charcoal of Vian. She is a member of student council, National Honor Society, Oklahoma Indian Honor Society and the Cherokee Choir. Charcoal plans to attend college at Northeastern State University and become a Physician’s Assistant.

Stone, 15, is a freshman. He is the son of James and Karen Stone of Coweta. He is a member of the football team and hopes to play football while in college at Oklahoma State University.

Walker, 15, is a freshman. He is the son of Rebecca Walker of Coweta. He plays football and basketball and is a member of the dorm council. Walker plans to attend college and would like to play professional football.

Wilson, 16, is a sophomore. She is the daughter of Robert Wilson and Jeanie Wilson of Ponca City. She is on the Speech and Debate Team and the Cherokee Challenge Bowl Team. Wilson hopes to attend Oklahoma University to become a massage therapist and an archeologist.

"With the quality of students we are sending to Close Up, it wouldn't surprise me one bit to one day see them playing a significant role in local or state government", said Tony Pivec, Sequoyah Superintendent. "They've shown many of the characteristics we would want to see in our future leaders."

Sequoyah High School "Home of the Indians!"       Sequoyah High School, an Indian boarding school, originated in 1871, when the Cherokee National Council passed an act setting up an orphan asylum to take care of many orphans that came out of the Civil War. Sequoyah High School's approximate 300 enrollment represents 42 tribes and 14 different states. Students are eligible to attend if they are members of federally recognized Indian tribes or one-fourth blood descendants of such members.