Awards
NALA Affiliate's Award
2024 - Jennifer Arnold, ACP
2023 - N/A
2022 - Wendi Ellis, ACP
2021 - Cassandra Oliver-Divens, ACP
2020 - Mona Jenkins, ACP
OPA's Outstanding Student of the Year Award
OPA’s Student of the Year is presented to an outstanding student currently enrolled in the Paralegal Program at one of the schools within Oklahoma.
2023 - Olivia Lloyd (Rose State)
2022 - Elisabeth Eku (TCC)
2022 - Kennedy Goetzinger (OU) (Honorable Mention)
2022 - Charmane Clark (Rose State) (Student Rising Star)
2021 - Rachel Keinken
2021 - Ashlynn Kindschy (Honorable Mention/1st Runner-Up)
2020 - Caleb Stilwell
OPA's Outstanding Member of the Year Award
OPA’s Member of the Year is presented to an outstanding OPA Member in recognition of their exceptional leadership, excellence in service, and outstanding contributions to OPA during the current year.
2023 - Kara White, CP
2022 - Jennifer Arnold, ACP
2021 - J. Lynn McKay, CP
2020 - Elizabeth (Beth) Nellis, ACP
District "You're A Gem" Awards
The You're A Gem District Member Award is presented to one member from each of OPA's Eastern and Western Districts who is actively making a difference in the Paralegal Profession and who has demonstrated support of his/her District and OPA's mission during the current year.
{OPA membership required, and currently serving Board members excluded}
Eastern District
2022 - Judy Hesley, ACP
Western District
2022 - Cheryl Shook, CP
Paralegal Champion Community Award
This award is presented to an individual with at least 5 years of experience, who has demonstrated exceptional knowledge and skills in the performance of their work as a paralegal, professionalism, and exceptional service to their employer. The individual is a champion of the Paralegal Profession.
{Community Award: Paralegal nominees may be an OPA member or nonmember.}
2022 - Deborah Howard
OPA Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is presented to an OPA member in recognition of their exceptional leadership, excellence in service, and outstanding contributions to OPA and the Paralegal Profession. Candidates must have served as an OPA leader (Board or committee service) for at least 5 years and with a minimum of 20 years of distinguished service in support of OPA’s mission and the Paralegal Profession.
{Note: This award is for lifetime achievement as opposed to one year’s service.}
2022 - J. Lynn McKay, CP
OPA's Bridge Builder Award
2022 - Barbara (Bobbie) Lane, CP
