By Derrick Smith

If there is one thing that is unquestioned about Leslie Clark it is her love for the town of Prague. She says that one of the things that she enjoys the most is how everyone feels like family. While her community has faced its share of challenges and losses, she says that they have become stronger and closer as the years go by.

That love for her community is part of the reason why Leslie has been named 2022 Northern Oklahoma Hometown Hero. She says that while she is honored by it, the spotlight is not something that she seeks. 

“It was honestly a little bit shocking at first,” she said. “I don’t do the things I do to get recognized for it but I’m so grateful. I love the town of Prague and it is my home and hopefully my forever home. All that I do is to make my town stronger and better in many different ways. I love my community and I’m so thankful to be named a Hometown hero.”

Clark is in her senior year at Prague High School. She is the president of Speech de Debate, serves as captain of Academics, and is a member of the National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, and the student council. She was a Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership delegate, girls state delegate, and she was a part of the 2022 House of Representatives page program. Outside of school, Leslie is a part of the Edmond First youth group. She also serves on the state United Methodist youth council board where she is the missions chair. She is also extremely involved in the Kolache Festival as well.

While the town of Prague is considered a small town, Clark says that is one of the best things about the school.

“The small school environment is probably the best part,” she said. “If someone needed something, I guarantee we could find someone to answer their question. I also enjoy how inviting and welcoming a place my school is. It is like my part-time home. All of my friends are there with me.”

Since she is in her final year of high school, Leslie already has her next season of life planned out.

“After graduation, I plan to finish my AS degree in Business management at Seminole State College,” she stated, “then transfer to the University of Central Oklahoma and receive a dual BS degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology and then get my master’s degree in Special Education.”