TULSA, Okla., Tuesday, July 29, 2025 – For the fifth year, the Thunder Fellows has selected a record 42 Black high school and college students for its 2025-26 program in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District.
High school Fellows for the fall semester are: Kennedi Small, junior at Bixby; Chloe Forbes, Chris McElroy, Darion Thomas, Kaydence Manns, Jeremiah Kanedy, Marcus Johnson, and Morgan Jenkins, juniors at Booker T. Washington; Anayah Harjo and Yana Earl, seniors at Booker T. Washington; Dallas Lowe, junior at Cascia Hall; Chaz Briggs, junior at Crossover Preparatory; Xavier Bower and Shamon Buyckes, juniors at Daniel Webster; Nala Toliver and Adison Hill, juniors at Holland Hall; Jayda Cherry, senior at Holland Hall; Blessyn Champ, junior at Jenks; Terence Griffin II, senior at Rejoice Christian; Rylyn Williams, junior at Riverfield Country Day School; and Camdon Alexander, junior at Wright Christian Academy.
College-level Fellows include: Adin Coley, sophomore at Langston University; Jesse Knight, junior at Langston University; Gabriel Rhone-Dunn, Samiya Robinson, and Kaycie Washington, seniors at Langston University; Angel Bell, senior at Oklahoma City University; Lisa Keza, sophomore at Oral Roberts University; Darrain Miller, junior at Tulsa Community College; Kylah Bowser, Zion Matesun, Kyla Newton and Jaidyn River, sophomores at University of Oklahoma; Mya-Nicole Anduze, Timi Oduleye and Aryanna Smith, juniors at University of Oklahoma; Desi Abney and Caleb McDaniel, seniors at University of Oklahoma; Heavyn Harris, junior at University of Tulsa; and Kenneth Hall II, Keigan Powers, and SaNaya White, seniors at University of Tulsa.
Throughout the program, Fellows will develop foundational skills in data science, artificial intelligence, and real-world problem solving - while also building confidence in communication, financial literacy, and college and career readiness. They’ll apply their learning through hands-on projects, mentorship, and immersive experiences with professionals across sports, entertainment, and technology - including the OKC Thunder's business and basketball operations - growing their networks and creating a personalized game plan for long-term success.
"This next generation of Fellows is a reflection of our program’s evolution and ambitions," said Cedric Ikpo, Thunder Fellows executive director. "With their potential and our growing support system, we’re poised to redefine what Thunder Fellows can accomplish."
Founded by the Oklahoma City Thunder and CAA Sports, a division of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Thunder Fellows is designed to unlock new opportunities in sports, technology, and entertainment for Black students in the Tulsa area and across Oklahoma. Corporate partners include Devon Energy, MidFirst Bank, and Post Oak Automotive.
