Seventeen Bartlesville residents were recognized Monday evening as graduates of the City of Bartlesville’s 2025 Citizens Academy.
The Citizens Academy is a free, interactive program designed to give residents a behind‑the‑scenes look at how local government works. Over the course of several weeks, participants explored the roles, services and operations that keep Bartlesville running.
Assistant City Manager Laura Sanders, who coordinated and co‑facilitated the program, said the academy is about building stronger connections between residents and their city.
“This program opens doors to understanding,” Sanders said. “When people see firsthand how decisions are made and services are delivered, they gain confidence in their local government and feel empowered to be part of shaping Bartlesville’s future.”
Graduates of this year’s academy included Chase Allcott, Blake Buckner, Sharon Crawford, Anthony Gantt, Lutricia Harris, Bryan Hindman, Alexander Johnson, Meral Jones, Tiffany Lammon, Austin Lynch, Tia Peters, Shavon Robles, Sarah Rowe, Jesse Snelson, Jeannie Strachan, Nathan Thompson and Tyler Vaclaw.
Sanders emphasized that the academy is more than just an educational experience — it’s also a call to action.
“Our hope is that graduates will take what they’ve learned and channel it into service,” she said. “Whether that means volunteering, serving on boards and committees, or simply sharing their knowledge with neighbors, every step strengthens our community.”
The 2025 Citizens Academy was offered at no cost and met biweekly from Sept. 4 through Nov. 13. The program concluded with a graduation ceremony during Monday’s City Council meeting, where each participant was honored for their commitment to civic engagement.