Eighteen-year-old Kaylee McDonald, a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and junior at Rock Creek High School in Bokchito, has been awarded the prestigious Young Woman of Integrity Award by BBB Serving Central Oklahoma. The award was presented during the 2025 Revere & Revel Conference, held on Oct. 23, 2025 at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.
This distinguished honor recognizes outstanding young women between the ages of 12 and 22 who exemplify BBB’s core values: accountability, adaptability, collaboration, integrity, and authenticity. Nominees are selected from across Oklahoma for their leadership, entrepreneurship, and service to their communities.
Kaylee, who is also enrolled as a concurrent student at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT), opened her acceptance speech by introducing herself in the Choctaw language. Her heartfelt message centered on the true meaning of integrity and leadership:
“To me, integrity means choosing courage over comfort and doing what’s right over what’s easy. It’s not always the popular choice, but it’s the one that builds character, trust, and respect. Integrity is about showing up with honesty and purpose—even when no one’s watching. This award reminds me that true success isn’t measured by titles or achievements, but by the kind of impact we leave behind.”
She concluded her speech by encouraging other young women to lead with authenticity and purpose:
“Let your values guide you like a compass. Be accountable when things don’t go as planned, stay adaptable when life changes direction, lift others instead of competing with them, and always be authentic—because who you are matters more than how perfect you appear.”
Kaylee’s accomplishments extend far beyond the classroom. She currently serves as Secretary of the Choctaw Nation Youth Advisory Board – Durant Chapter, President of the Rock Creek FFA, and National Ambassador for the National Society of High School Scholars. She’s also a member of the St. Jude Leadership Society, the National Honor Society, Student Council, and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES).
Her hands-on experience includes serving as Summer Coordinator for the Choctaw Nation’s Agriculture and Land Management Department, where she led educational workshops, promoted sustainable agriculture, and assisted with conservation projects. Kaylee has also participated in national leadership and academic programs, including Washington University’s Rural Scholars Academy, The Perry Initiative for Women in Medicine, and the National Native American Youth Initiative in Washington, D.C.
Her passion for both healthcare and service drives her future goals. “My goal is to complete the Nursing–RN Program at OSUIT, continue toward a BSN, and ultimately become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine,” Kaylee said. “I want to serve others through patient-centered care and community health advocacy, especially in rural and tribal communities.”
Kaylee’s award reflects not only her integrity but her commitment to leading with heart and purpose. As a young leader, scholar, and advocate, she continues to set an inspiring example for her peers across Oklahoma and Indian Country.