Four Star Leadership – First Place Persuasive Speech

Overview

Four Star Leadership with General Tommy Franks is a selective summer leadership program run by the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum with university partners in Oklahoma. Each year it brings together roughly 70–80 high school students in grades 9–12 from across the United States and internationally for one intensive week (2026: July 18–24) in Edmond, Oklahoma. Participants hear from national and international leaders, build teamwork skills, and compete in persuasive speech, journal writing, and an Ethics Bowl around the principles of Character, Common Vision, Communication, and Caring. There is no cost for students who are selected; travel, lodging, meals, and instruction are covered by sponsors. This award is first place in the persuasive speech competition ($5,000, Chris Sullivan Foundation). Total scholarship dollars awarded across all program competitions exceed $30,000.