For Immediate Release: June 26, 2007

Senators Congratulate Former Intern on Miss Oklahoma Title

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan and Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee have extended their congratulations to Miss Oklahoma winner, Makenna Smith. The Oklahoma City University graduate student interned at the Senate in 2005 when she was completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma.

“We’re very proud that one of our former interns will be representing our state in the Miss America pageant. We’re certainly wishing her all the best from everyone here in the State Senate,” Morgan said.
Smith interned during the 2005 legislative session with the Senate Communications Division, assisting with press releases and at a press conference unveiling the Senate’s wireless internet access.

“We’ve had many outstanding students intern here, but I believe this is our first Miss Oklahoma. Senator Morgan and I have prepared a citation of congratulations for Makenna, and she’s been invited to come back and visit us in the 2008 session when all our members can have an opportunity to extend their congratulations as well,” Coffee said.

Smith said she was still “on cloud nine” and enjoying her new role as Miss Oklahoma, and said she was looking forward to returning to the State Senate. She said her internship helped her to become a more involved citizen.

“The first day I walked in, the staff told me I would get the bug and not want to leave. I have been back every year, sitting in the gallery to listen and becoming more involved in making my voice heard,” Smith said. “It really changed the way that I view what goes on in our state—I understand the process more. It encouraged me to take a more active role in our state government.”

Smith, whose platform as Miss Oklahoma is seat belt safety, said she hoped to be involved with safety issues at the State Capitol in the coming year.

For more information contact:
Senator Morgan's Office - (405) 521-5605
Senator Coffee's Office - (405) 521-5654