Dr. George & Barbara Henderson Community Pillar Award

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A native of Mesquite, Texas, is an accomplished basketball coach and former standout player with deep ties to Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where he made a significant impact as a member of the OU Men's basketball team. From 2012 to 2014, Neal began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Norman High School. His leadership and expertise quickly led to his promotion to head girls’ basketball coach, a position he held from 2014 to 2021, where he lead the Tigers to two State Championships. In 2021, Neal joined the University of Oklahoma's Women's basketball program as an assistant coach, where he currently serves under head coach Jennie Baranczyk. Michael Neal is also a dedicated family man. He is the husband of LaToya Neal and the proud father of three children: Nash, Jude, and Emry. Neal's passion for basketball and his commitment to his family and community make him a respected figure both on and off the court.

  Originally from Pampa, Texas, where he met his high school sweetheart, is now a devoted husband and proud father of four. Having lived in Norman for over 20 years, Rayford is a passionate community advocate, actively participating in events that promote youth development. As President of the Trae Young Family Foundation, he is committed to making a positive impact on the mental health and wellness of individuals from all walks of life. Rayford played a key role in envisioning and continues to enhance the Young Family Athletic Center, striving to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all families in Norman. His unwavering dedication to the community makes him a cherished and influential figure.

 A mother, entrepreneur and activist from Grand Prairie, Texas, has made indelible marks as a multifaceted professional and community leader. For the past quarter-century, she has steered King Kopy Print shop as its President and owner. Simultaneously, Aisha has nurtured minds as an instructional design instructor at prestigious institutions such as the University of Oklahoma, Moore Norman Tech Center, and OSU. A proud two-time alumna of the University of Oklahoma, Aisha's commitment to education and excellence shines through her academic achievements. Her dedication to social justice and human rights is evident through her active involvement as the Chair of the Norman Human Rights Commission, where she advocates tirelessly for equality and inclusivity. Additionally, her passion for the arts and community development led her to serve as a valued member of the Norman Arts Council Board of Directors during the 2023-2024 term. Aisha is a devoted wife to Lieutenant Jaffery of the Norman Police Department, a nurturing mother to two beloved children and a caretaker. 

A Norman high school alum, McCoy moved on to Weber State University to become the big sky MVP and finish on the AP All American Honorable mention list. Played three years overseas finishing in Boras, Sweden, McCoy was a 1st team all-league selection, averaging 18pts, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game. McCoy, having served three years as a college coach, is now the head coach at Norman North High School and the director of the Young Family Athletic Center. Kellen is married to Amelia McCoy and they have two daughters, Kinley and Mira, and a son Micah.