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• FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 • JENKSTRIBUNE.COM •
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RISING STAR
Jenks senior recognized as one of nation’s top young scientists By KYLE SALOMON
ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
WRESTLING COACH TO STEP DOWN Following the 2020 season, Jenks coach Ray Weis will step down to pursue other opportunities. Read the story on Page 5.
Most 18-year-old high school seniors are busy on Snap Chat or Instagram, but Jenks High School student Michael Hwang is being recognized as one of the top young scientists in the nation. Hwang was recently named one of the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, which is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competitions in the country. Hwang and Jenks High School were awarded $2,000 apiece for the Jenks senior being named one of the top 300 high school scientists. “It’s an amazing feeling to be selected,” Hwang said. “I wasn’t
expecting this at all, and I feel very humbled and privileged to be chosen.” Hwang is one of just two high school seniors from Oklahoma to receive the honor. Brendan Crotty of Muskogee and Hickory Hill Academy Homeschool was the other recipient from the Sooner state. The title of Hwang’s project he submitted in the competition is “Characterizing Matcha Green Tea as an Anti-Cancer Agent”. Hwang has been conducting research on this topic since he was a junior in high school at the University of Tulsa. The JHS student would spend most of his weekContinued to HWANG, Page 9
Jenks senior Michael Hwang has been named one of the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Photo/Kyle Salomon
Public school state aid funding, a broken system in Oklahoma education, according to many By KYLE SALOMON
ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
TEDFORD INSURANCE, A JENKS STAPLE Tedford Insurance has been a staple on Main Street in Jenks since the late 1980’s. Read the story on Page 10.
Dr. Liz Kaufman, center, the veterinarian of the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem, with Oklahoma Aquarium staff Amy Alexopoulos, Lead Aquarist of Marine Fishes, and Ann Money, Director of Research and Education, at the aquarium quarantine, Israel, December 2019. Photo/Courtesy
Oklahoma Aquarium strengthens international partnership with aquarium in the Middle East SUBMITTED
Special to the Jenks Tribune
DOING WHAT SHE LOVES Jenks resident Linda Shade is getting back into the piano teaching business. Read the story on Page 12.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID JENKS, OK PERMIT NO. 7
Oklahoma Aquarium biologists recently visited their Sister Aquarium, the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem, to cross-train with staff in the areas of animal health, husbandry, edu-
cation, and research. This is the first time staff from the Oklahoma Aquarium conducted trainings in these areas in Israel. Amy Alexopoulos, Lead Aquarist of Marine Fishes, and Ann Money, Director of Education and Continued to PARTNERSHIP, Page 9
In the state of Oklahoma, a public school’s general fund is made up of four components. First; local property taxes, second; various county taxes, third; state money and fourth; federal money. The Oklahoma State Aid Formula was created to help with equity among Oklahoma public schools. The formula is designed to create a specific amount of state aid funding each school district will receive in an academic year by determining the weighted amount it takes to educate an individual student. The state of Oklahoma developed this state aid formula in a time when charter schools were not a consideration, especially virtual charter schools. Charter schools operate as a public-school district, but in fact are different in their approach. Allegedly, the initial idea behind charter schools was to allow a school to develop different and innovative ways of teaching and then bringing those new ideas of educating to the traditional school districts. According to many in the education system in Oklahoma, that has not been the case. Every year, the state of Oklahoma allocates a certain amount of money for each public-school district based on the state aid formula. Continued to FUNDING, Page 9
Aquarium donates $5K to ARC in Australia By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
As wildfires blaze through Australia, the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks has announced a $5,000 donation to the Animal Rescue Collective (ARC) based in Victoria, Australia. ARC is a joint project of several rescue groups in Australia with the goal of saving
wildlife that have been affected by the fires. The Oklahoma Aquarium is joining their sister Aquarium, the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem, in fundraising efforts to support ARC. The Israel Aquarium donated funds and veterinary supplies to the rescue group. “With such an enormous loss of life and
habitat, the wildfires in Australia are having a devastating impact on local animals,” says Matthew Griffin, president of the Oklahoma Aquarium Foundation. “Animal loss to this scale affects us all, no matter where it occurs. The Oklahoma Aquarium is a staunch supporter of animal welfare both here and abroad. We hope that this donation will have
a positive impact, and we hope that community members will join us in our efforts to help Australian wildlife.” The Oklahoma Aquarium has set up a donation page through which the public can help support the rescue effort. The aquarium’s goal is for the community to match their $5,000 gift. The Oklahoma
Aquarium has ties to Australia, as it is home to a zebra shark and humphead wrasse – two endangered species found off the coasts of Australia – as well as many other animals. Publisher’s Note: If you would like to donate, visit okaquarium.org for more information.
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Friday, January 17, 2020
Eagle watch, raptor rally set for Jenks By DREW BETHELL Jenks Tribune Intern
Join local bird watchers at the Tulsa Audubon’s Annual Eagle Watch and Raptor Rally on Jan. 25. All ages are welcome for a free morning full
of educational programs and live raptors. Beginning at 8 a.m., birders have the option to start with an outdoor eagle watch on the Jenks pedestrian bridge. From 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., programs
will take place in Building six of Jenks High School. For families with smaller children, there will also be more kid-friendly presentations taking place simultaneously.
Jenks shows off talent with Trojan Idol The Jenks High School baseball program hosted the 10th annual Trojan Idol Friday at the Jenks High School Performing Arts Center. Jenks High School students got to show off their talents in front of judges in a fun-filled evening. See more photos from the event on Page 9. Photos/Hayden Tucker
Friday, January 17, 2020
JenksTribune.com
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Hazard Mitigation Act would improve public safety, save millions of dollars SUBMITTED
Special to the Jenks Tribune
State Rep. Lonnie Sims (R-Jenks) recently highlighted House Bill 2776, The Oklahoma Hazard Mitigation Assessment District Act, which provides the framework for residents in each county to elect and establish a hazard mitigation assessment district. House Bill 2776 is the first piece of legislation to be introduced following interim studies Sims hosted at the State Capitol in September and October 2019 to conduct a comprehensive review of the historic Arkansas River Flood of 2019. “Oklahoma ranks third in the U.S. in Federal Disaster Declarations and is the only state in the top seven that does not border the ocean or gulf,” Sims said. “We have to empower our people with the ability to protect themselves from the natural disasters that traditionally put their farms, homes, businesses, cities, towns and lives at risk.”
Lonnie Sims, State Rep. “From generation to generation, one natural disaster after another, it’s hard not to become complacent to the tradition of tragedy that comes with living in Oklahoma,” Sims added. “We can no longer accept that more than half of Oklahoma communities have no access to flood insurance or even the basic resources for hazard mitigation, planning, disaster recovery and most disheartening, local matching dollars to qualify for millions in additional federal aid that victims so desperately need to recover.” The Act has gained
early support from the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG), Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma (ACCO), and the Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency (TAEMA), which represents the most population-dense county in the state. In his interim study presentation, Joseph Kralicek, Executive Director of TAEMA said, “One dollar of mitigation brings a return of seven dollars or more.” Following the historic Memorial Day flood of 1984 that killed 14 as well as damaged or destroyed over 5,500 structures and 7,000 vehicles in the City of Tulsa, the first ever flood hazard mitigation team and utility assessment fee was approved to identify and exclusively fund flood mitigation projects throughout the city. This commitment and investment may have been fully realized in 2019 when no lives or structures were lost in the second largest flood
on record. “This bill would give counties a desperately needed tool to lessen the impacts of these risks and better protect the lives of all our citizens,” Kralicek said. “The risks to our population are not decreasing as time passes, and those disasters will continue to cost lives and millions of dollars if they can continue unabated, causing a public safety and public health issue.” “We were honored to join Rep. Sims’ multi-level assessment of the Arkansas River flood of 2019. As the state’s Floodplain Board and Dam Safety administrator, and the agency responsible for the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan, we see a real opportunity for our state to make lasting progress towards longterm disaster resiliency through coordinated local and regional planning and investment,” said Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) Executive Director Julie Cunningham. “We look forward to working
with Representative Sims, Senator Rader, the Legislature, the governor, and all stakeholders to build upon the excellent disaster preparedness and response that Oklahoma’s emergency management professionals have delivered time and time again.” “Natural disasters and the horrific damage they inflict have been a part of Oklahoma history for over a century,” said Trey Lam, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. “I truly appreciate Representative Sims’ efforts to continue mitigation of flooding and multiple other disasters.” According to Lam, Oklahoma farmers and ranchers know firsthand the damage floods, drought and wildfire can do to crops, homes, roads and bridges. “Not only do agriculture producers lose income from one year’s crop, but they lose the resource, the soil, to produce food and fiber
for many years to come,” Lam explained. “Putting decision-making in the hands of local citizens and officials, who set the priorities and pick solutions, is part of our conservation ethic.” Sen. Dave Rader, (R-Tulsa), offered his strong support by signing on to author HB 2776 in the Senate. “I’m excited to join Representative Sims in authoring legislation that delivers local control to the people of Oklahoma,” Rader said. “Local citizens are most directly impacted by disasters and best equipped to determine the investment priorities to protect their communities.” “The early support for this legislation has been humbling,” Sims said. “With every disaster comes a new opportunity to turn the lessons learned into tangible, curative actions that truly honor the thousands of victims who suffered. This bill is a great first step on the pathway to a safer future for Oklahoma, defined by Oklahomans.”
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Friday, Janury 17, 2020
HEARING FROM THE OWNER’S BOX Hello Jenks, America! I hope everyone had a great week here in our wonderful community! There is a lot to be excited about in Jenks right now. The Jenks Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon took place Wednesday with Jenks Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Stacey Butterfield delivering the State of Education Speech. As usual, Jenks Public Schools is among the best in Oklahoma when it comes to just about every category there is and JPS continues to be a leader in the state as education continues to be on the forefront of items needing to be addressed by the Oklahoma State Legislature. The Jenks Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet took place Thursday at the
Oklahoma Aquarium. Many businesses and business leaders from the Jenks community were honored for their accomplishments and achievements throughout the 2019 year. The event was yet another example of just how fortunate we are to be living and working in one of the best communities in the country. Trivia Night at the Oklahoma Aquarium was a big hit Tuesday. Make sure to stay informed through the
Jenks Tribune of all the fun and exciting activities that are going on at the Oklahoma Aquarium and other entities in the community. Trojan Idol was a big hit last Friday with the annual fundraiser put on by the Jenks High School baseball program drawing hundreds of people. Jenks High School students got the chance to show off their talents in front of a panel of judges in a fun-filled evening at the Jenks High School Performing Arts Center. Do not forget to get out on Feb. 11 and vote on the Jenks Public Schools Bond Issue. This bond will give the school district more flexibility to add classroom space and make improvements across the district that will allow our students to flourish and have success, while they attend Jenks schools.
Tonight, is a big night for Jenks High School basketball. The boys and girls hoops squads will host rival Union at the Frank Herald Fieldhouse. The boys game features a matchup of the No. 5 ranked Trojans and No. 6 ranked Redskins and should be an epic battle between the crosstown foes. If you and the family are looking for a fun and exciting event to do tonight, head on out to the Frank Herald Fieldhouse and root on the Trojans to beat Union. Well, that is all for today folks. I hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend here in Jenks, America! I hope you enjoy the Jenks Tribune. Thank you for reading. Sincerely, Kyle Salomon ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
GUEST COLUMN
New Year’s Resolutions - Make Them or Not? Happy New Year 2020! And with that said ... it’s the time- New Year’s Resolutions ... “I’m going to lose weight. I’m going to be more productive.” “This is my year to get organized.”... etc What do most all New Year’s Resolutions have in common? They’re forgotten about in a few weeks and replaced with old habits, old results and the same uneasy feeling of guilt and failure. Unfortunately this happens to 92% of Americans, statistics show. Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail … Lack of vision/clarity and planning are two of the biggest reasons that New Year’s Resolutions fail. Habits are the key. In the book The Power of Habit, (which I highly recommend reading) Charles Duhigg explains that habits are literally hard-wired inside your brain. Your habits are physical pathways that your brain enjoys trav-
eling because they are familiar and it requires little energy. Since your brain is always wanting to conserve energy, changing habits is not just a simple act of changing your mind; you literally have to rewire your brain and create new neural pathways. Pretty cool science-geeky stuff to know about how our mind works and how to become more successful! Success Tips to Follow Instead of a New Year’s Resolution, approach your goals and aspirations in 2020 with these success tips
instead.... Start by picking one or two things. Choose one or two specific areas that you would like to change, and focus on those areas for several weeks. Start small. Set a goal or outcome, and then break it down into manageable chunks. Plan for roadblocks. Anticipate rough times/obstacles and have a strategy in place to deal with it. Coursecorrection will always be needed at some point so be prepared for it. Make it visual. Get a calendar and hang it in a prominent place. Every day that you successfully fulfill your new habit, make a big, red X on that date. Having a visual cue of your past success will motivate you to keep working on those new neural pathways. Be crystal clear on your “why”. If you don’t have a strong “why” in front of you, you will not achieve the life change that you desire. Always start with “why”... What do I want? Why do I want
it? Who do I have to become to achieve it? The good news is that while the old habit neurotransmitters in your brain don’t completely go away, you can build new neural circuits that will eventually become stronger than the old ones. When this happens, you’ve not just made and kept a resolution or goal/outcome.... you have changed your life! You are worth it. Your life is worth it. Make it happen this year! To your success, Clint Clint Howard is the Founder/Owner of Tulsa Fitness Systems. Call 918-296-7418 or email clint@ TulsaFitnessSystems. com to request a 21-Day Kickstart Trial for only $49! Limited spots available so act now! Find out more at www. TulsaFitnessSystems. com.
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•FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 • JENKSTRIBUNE.COM •
Wrestling coach to step down
THE LAST FRONTIER
By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
Jenks boys and girls swim won the Frontier Conference meet Tuesday at home. The girls scored 493 points, the boys scored 560.5. Other schools in attendance were Bixby, Union, Bartlesville, Booker T. Washington, Broken Arrow, Owasso and Muskogee. Girls first place finishers: 200 Medley Relay, Gabby Vargus - 200 Freestyle, Janci Pangburn - 100 Freestyle, Laney Fenton - 500 Freestyle 100 Breaststroke and 400 Freestyle Relay. Boys first place finishers: 200 Medley Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, Austin Bick - 200 Individual Medley, Andrew Truang - 50 Freestyle and 100 Freestyle, Jazz Whitney - 100 Butterfly and Morne Wolmarans - 100 Breaststoke. Photo/Drew Bethell
After two decades at Jenks, wrestling coach Ray Weis has announced he’ll be stepping down from his position at the end of the season. Weis announced his decision to his team last week. He says he has always planned to step down at some point and with the completion of his master’s degree in Educational Leadership, the time was right. Weis currently has no plans set in stone for his future, however, he plans to remain with Jenks Public Schools in some capacity. “I’m ready to make that next step,” Weis said. “I’ve planned to move into administration. I am confident that will happen. It may not happen next year, but it’ll happen. If I do have the year off, I’ll definitely use that time to relax, take a breath and get ready for what’s going to happen in the future.” Continued to WEIS, Page 6
Steady Improvements By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
Jenks wrestlers are taking the necessary steps to success at this point in the season. Coming off winter break, the Trojans placed fourth at the Texas Outlaw Tournament. A week later at their host Larry Wilkey Invitational, they placed second. Skiatook placed first with 260 points. The Trojans scored 198.5 for second, Southmoore was third at 156. Individual placers: Garrett Rawlins (120) – 2nd Connor Robbins (145) – 4th Thatcher Hall (152) – 1st Drake Vannoy (160) – 2nd Garrett Weis (182) – 4th Ethan Felts (195) 4th John Roberts (285) – 5th Thatcher Hall’s championship placing comes after he stumbled out of the gate at Jenks’ first two tournaments. “He’s starting to wrestle a lot
smarter,” coach Ray Weis said. “He’s having a really great year. Made a bad mistake at Bristow and cost him making the finals. In Texas, the confidence wasn’t there to make the finals. “This one, not only does he make the finals, he wrestles pretty well in the finals to get the championship. It was nice for him to be in a position where, a little bit of pressure making the finals and then making sure it happens when it’s supposed to.” Connor Robbins finished 22nd at the Outlaw Tournament a week prior, and this week he made his way into the top five. Against Bartlesville a day before the Jenks Tournament, Robbins lost to Kaleb Childress. In the Jenks Invitational, Robbins took down Childress by fall. “It was a night and day difference and we talk about the mentality and the mindset of what a wrestler is supposed to be and how you’re supContinued to WRESTLERS, Page 7
The Jenks High School wrestling team took second in the Larry Wilkey Invitational this past weekend. Photos/Hayden Tucker
Trojans top Sapulpa on road for eighth straight victory By HAYDEN TUCKER
htucker@jenkstribune.com
Jenks boys basketball is finding ways to win even on its off nights. Senior leadership has been one of the reasons the Trojans sit at 8-1 after their 69-53 win over Sapulpa Tuesday night. Coach Clay Martin admitted after the game that his team didn’t play their best game, but he was proud they still found a way to pull out the win. “It wasn’t our best basketball game tonight but we found a way to create some separation,” he said. “We weren’t very good defensively and I felt like we got away from our pillars: rebounding, toughness and defense. But our seniors, it’s just a
Chase Martin (18 pts) lines up a three pointer. Photo/Hayden Tucker
great group.” Jenks set the tone early, going up 21-14 at the end of the first quarter. In the second, the Trojans were pressed and outscored 15-14 to create a 35-29 lead. In the second half, Jenks pulled it together and outscored the Chieftains 34-24. And Jenks maintained its composure several times throughout the game when Sapulpa players wanted to get physical. The Chieftains were whistled for two technical fouls in the first half. Double technical fouls were handed out in the fourth quarter after Anfernee Nelson looked back at a Chieftain following a score. That player then shoved Nelson, signaling
Sapulpa’s third ‘T’ of the game. All in all, through other chippy plays, the Trojans maintained their cool throughout the game. “We use the phrase, ‘try to make decisions on commitment, not on emotion’ a lot,” Martin said. “If you choose to be emotional in certain situations, then it becomes about you. Be committed to what our team needs you to do. “Both teams got a little chippy. If you react, what good comes out of that? Nothing. Proud of the way we did show composure in those moments. It’s a tribute to our assistant coaches and our seniors, they were vocal about that stuff tonight.” Continued to BOYS, Page 8
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Weis
JenksTribune.com
Friday, January 17, 2020
From page 5
Weis says that there hasn’t been a decision made on who the next coach will be. Athletic Director Tony Dillingham has told Weis that he will have input in the next hire. “I’ve been around wrestling for 20 years, I know people, I know coaches and I know what would be a good fit here and what would not be a good fit,” Weis said. “I’m not picking the next coach, but I’ll have input.” Weis says he expects the job to be highly sought after given the positive state of the program. “I think this is a great job for somebody to come in and I expect we’ll have a lot of good applicants that are interested in working with Jenks,” he said. “Right now, we are probably having as much success as Jenks has ever had. We have a lot of kids in the middle school, we have a lot of kids at the high school. I think it’s a program that can continue and thrive in the future.” Weis cited that his youngest of three is graduating this year. He was able to coach each of his three sons, Jacob, Ryan and Garrett, in the past 10 years. The decision didn’t come lightly for Weis, but he says it was the right move overall. “I’ve been a wrestler for 41 of my 47 years and I absolutely love the sport,” he said. “I love what it does for kids. The resemblances between wrestling and life are unbelievable for me as I can pick things out for kids to help them grow up. I have been dealing with kids for 25 years now and the instrument that I’ve used to reach kids has been wrestling. I love what I’ve done.” This is Weis’ 20th year leading the Trojans. He has 25 years of coaching experience overall. “I could do this until I retire from everything, but I’ve always had that desire to go to the next step and see what’s out there,” Weis said. “It seemed like it was the right time to change directions and do it for me.”
The Jenks High School swim program hosted the Frontier Conference Meet Tuesday at the Jenks High School Aquatic Center. Both the boys and girls teams took first place in the meet. Photos/Drew Bethell
Friday, January 17, 2020
JenksTribune.com
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Lady Trojans fall to Sapulpa
Jenks wrestling finish second at their host Larry Wilkey Invistational. Photos/Hayden Tucker
Jenks girls basketball lost to Sapulpa 69-47 Tuesday night. Photos/Hayden Tucker
Wrestlers
From page 5
posed to engage and battle,” Weis said. “I think he made big steps this weekend as far as stepping up and having confidence in himself.” Jenks had the week off following the Larry Wilkey Invitational. They’ll be back in action Tuesday for district duals. Enid, Shawnee and Union will join Jenks in a battle to determine who goes to dual state later this season.
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Friday, January 17, 2020
Trendon Tisdale hit 9-of-10 free throws and a three point shot for 12 points.
Chase Martin lines up a three point shot Tuesday night against Sapulpa. Martin scored 18 points in Jenks’ 69-53 win. Photos/Hayden Tucker
Ike Houston defends a Sapulpa ball handler. The Chieftains were whistled for three technical fouls.
Boys
Benjamin Averitt, above, scored 18 points against the Chieftains. From page 5A
Benjamin Averitt and Chase Martin led the Trojans in scoring, pouring in 18 points apiece. Nelson scored 14. Trendon Tisdale sunk 9-of-10 free throws and a three-point shot for 12 points. Martin admitted that his players may be looking forward to Friday’s match with rival Union.
The Redskins will travel to Frank Herald Fieldhouse for the first meeting of the season between the two teams. Union comes into the game sporting an 8-2 record and sit one spot behind the Trojans in the rankings at sixth place. “I think now that this one is over, we can address it,” Martin
said. “It’s a big game. When you play your rival, it’s a big game whether it’s tomorrow, Friday, whether you’re .500 or 8-1, it’s a big game. We’ve got to have two good days of preparation, I know that because they’re very, very good.” Jenks and Union are set to tip off Friday at 8 p.m.
Friday, January 17, 2020
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TROJAN IDOL 2020
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Photos/Hayden Tucker
Hwang
From page 1A
days from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. prior to the start of school in a science lab at TU working on his project. Hwang has been doing research at Tulsa since his sophomore year following his experience at BioTechnology Camp at Stonybrook University in New York, where he learned how to and fellin love with doing research. Hwang first heard
about the prestigious competition at a national science fair he attended several years ago. Hwang wrote a 17-page paper on his project along with numerous essays to submit his project for the competition. Hwang’s research focuses on the properties of matcha green tea and how human cells metabolize certain nutrients. The 18-year old is looking for com-
Partnership
From page 1A
Research, shared their expertise and collaborated with Israel Aquarium staff in December. Alexopoulos worked alongside the aquarium’s husbandry staff and shared her knowledge and experiences in aquarium animal care, specifically with marine fish and invertebrates. She consulted on animal health, exhibit design, and water filtration systems. Money presented educational opportunities for the aquarium’s tours and classroom programs, including ways to incorporate more conservation messaging into their offer-
ings. Shai Ben Ami, Education Director at the Israel Aquarium, and Money also discussed ways to partner on education research that Money is conducting in Oklahoma. Both facilities will quantify the benefit of a field trip to an aquarium based on a student’s interest in STEM. “The involvement of the Israel Aquarium will lend international support for informal science education and institutions,” Money says. Dr. Elizabeth Kaufman, Chief Veterinarian at the Israel Aquarium, says Alexopoulos and
Funding
From page 1A
However, half-way through the academic year, the state will adjust that allocated amount of money in what they refer to as the “mid-year allocation”. For instance, Jenks Public Schools was originally allocated $32,380,885 from state aid, but after the midyear allocation, Jenks will receive $31,752,187, which is a difference of
$628,698. The mid-year allocation takes place to adjust for school district growth and any other changes that might occur throughout a school year. The state of Oklahoma determined that it was going to take an average of $3,592.37 to educate a single student for the entire academic year in 2019-2020. However, fol-
pounds in matcha green tea that could stop cancerous cells from metabolizing and spreading, while allowing healthy cells to multiply and prosper. On Jan. 22, 40 finalists will be chosen from the field of 300 scholars. Finalists receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C in March where they will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron. The high school students will also present
their research to many of the nation’s top scientific experts as well as elected officials. On top of his success in research lab, Hwang aced the ACT exam with a perfect score of 36 during his junior year in high school. Hwang says he is undecided on where he would like to attend college, but he hopes to make that decision soon. “I want to contribute to the world in some
way, and I think in order to contribute, you have to find a new, innovative way to do something,” Hwang said. “This competition really fosters people who have the potential to change the world.” Alumni of the Regeneron Science Talent Search include recipients of the world’s most coveted science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prize winners, 11 National Medals of
Science, and 21 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships. “Jenks provides an enormous amount of resources for science and science education,” Hwang said. “I’ve always had teachers who were extremely helpful, who believed in me and challenged me. I’ve learned so much in my classes here and I’m really grateful for the foundation Jenks has helped me to build over the years.”
Money’s passion for what they do sparked staff excitement to new levels. “I can not stress the importance of the impact that Ann and Amy’s visit had on our staff,” says Dr. Kaufman. “Their knowledge and experience gave the staff more tools to accomplish more creative ways of looking at things.” Staff also discussed possibilities for future collaborative coral research between the two aquariums. The Israel Aquarium has geographic access to the hardiest coral in the world, which allows for an expansion of the research already conducted at the Oklahoma Aquarium to determine
what makes the coral so resilient. While in Israel, Money and Alexopoulos traveled to Eilat, Israel, to conduct day and night dives in the Red Sea, gathering images for support of Money’s doctoral research on coral fluorescence emission as an indicator of coral health. “The coral of the northern Red Sea, the Sea of Aqaba, are more resilient and hardier than coral in the rest of the world,” Money says. “They are surviving despite the increase in sea surface temperatures that are affecting coral reefs globally.” Money met with researchers from the Interuniversity Institute for Marine
Sciences and Director Aviv Levi of the Underwater Observatory Marine Park to exchange research observations on coral fluorescence. Levi explained how the observatory conducts cutting-edge coral research, specifically with its student programs growing coral at the observatory and replanting them on wild reef systems. The students also grow large corals within the observatory, which are regularly culled and planted on the reef. “My hope is to work collaboratively, utilizing the coral research we’re doing in Jenks, Oklahoma, with the
accessibility and already established coral grow program at the Underwater Observatory Marine Park in Eilat, Israel,” Money says. Staff from the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium will visit the Oklahoma Aquarium in spring 2020. For more information about the trip and the Sister Aquarium partnership, please reach out to Chief Marketing Officer Andrea Leitch at aleitch@okaquarium. org or 918-261-6285. Photography and video assets are available for media use upon request.
lowing the mid-year allocation, that number dropped to $3,581.16. Charter schools, specifically virtual charter schools are also included in the state aid funding. For instance, Epic One On One Charter School, which is a virtual charter school, received an initial state aid allocation of $70,139,049, but after the mid-year allocation is receiving $96,221,901. That number is higher than what Jenks Public Schools is
receiving by more than $60 million, what Edmond Public Schools is receiving by more than $50 million and what more than Broken Arrow Public Schools is receiving by more than $40 million. Many across the state believe this is an issue that needs to be addressed by the Oklahoma State Legislature because they say the cost of educating a student through a virtual charter school does not
come close to what it costs to educate a student who is in a traditional public school district, such as Jenks or Broken Arrow. The majority of public-school districts across Oklahoma saw their state aid allocation number drop in the mid-year allocation. According to Jenks Public Schools’ Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Cody Way, Jenks will be forced to make up for the
$628,698 difference in future budgets because the budget for this academic year is already set in stone. Way also said that since he has been at Jenks Public Schools, the annual budget has gone up every year and this was the first year the annual budget for Jenks crossed the $100 million dollar line with the majority of that money going toward salaries.
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Tedford Insurance: serving Jenks, Tulsa for multiple decades By KYLE SALOMON
ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
If you drive down Main Street in Jenks, you may have noticed a two-story building on the north side of the road that has been a staple in the town for many years. That building belongs to Tedford Insurance. Tedford Insurance has been one of the more popular businesses in Jenks since its founder, George Tedford, moved the agency to Jenks in the late 1980’s. “Dad started out in Louisiana and then was transferred to Tulsa and then to Little Rock,” said Mark Tedford, George’s son and current Tedford Insurance Managing Partner. “He really liked Tulsa, so when he decided it was time to get out of the big corporate insurance game and start his own agency, he wanted to do it in Tulsa.” Tedford Insurance was born in 1978 in Tulsa and after the current location became available, George decided to purchase the building and move his agency to Jenks. George had already moved his family to the Jenks school district, where his children, including Mark, all
graduated high school. “Dad really liked the Jenks community,” Mark said. “He liked the school system and how it had a real smalltown feel. He liked the Main Street area in Jenks, but also liked how close it was to a bigger metro in Tulsa.” Mark said the downtown area of Jenks has not changed much, but the area around the Jenks Main Street has grown quite a bit. “It has changed a tremendous amount,” Mark said. “Tulsa used to seem much further away. The area right across the river and the Tulsa Hills area wasn’t
OBITUARY Shirley Elizabeth Hammond Pike Shirley Elizabeth Hammond Pike went home to be with Jesus on January 14, 2020 at age 83. There will be a Celebration of Life on January 18, 2020 at 11 am at First Jenks United Methodist Church, 415 E Main St, Jenks, OK 74037. Services have been entrusted to the care of Hargrove-Marker Funeral Service.
Shirley was born on October 17, 1936 in Rumford, Maine. She married Roy Escott Pike on February 8, 1956 in Wilton, Maine. In addition to a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Shirley was very active in many women’s groups in various churches over their 62 years in the ministry. She was the Office
Manager of the ORU Bookstore for 13 years. She was proud to be a 20-year member of the Oklahoma Home and Community Education of Tulsa County. Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God. Shirley was predeceased by her father, Durward O. Hammond, her mother Lucile Elizabeth (Berry) Hammond Bradbury
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. -Psalm 31:24
and her stepfather, Eugene M. Bradbury. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Rev. Dr. Roy E. Pike of Jenks, OK; her brother Barrie (Dennie) Hammond of Yuba City, CA; her son, Rev. Michael (Mickey) Pike of Portsmouth, RI; her daughter, Dawn (Chris) Waterhouse of Jenks, OK; and her four grand-
children: Kimberly (Miguel) Ramos, Brian (Sarah) Waterhouse, Jonathan Pike, and Hannah Pike; and her nine great grandchildren (Josiah, Gabriel, Micah, Mikayla, Sierra, Isaac, Parker, Makenzie and Noah Roy.) In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to First Jenks United Methodist Church.
there when we first moved to Jenks and of course, the Riverwalk and the aquarium were not here either.” Mark said he is looking forward to seeing what the new outlet mall and the new comprehensive plan will bring for the Jenks community. “I think it will drive more people to Jenks, which is a good thing,” Mark said. “We want the community to do really well. If the community does well, we do well. If the community struggles, it hurts us. A concentration of attractions is important.”
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Shade ready to get back to doing what she loves By KYLE SALOMON
ksalomon@jenkstribune.com
Jenks resident Linda Shade is ready to get back to doing what she loves, and that is teaching piano. Shade’s friends might tell you that her eyes light up when she is talking about music. She is recognized for being a pianist, piano teacher, choir director, singer and songwriter throughout her musical career. “I love teaching piano because I get to watch students progress and develop skills that can help them in any area of their lives,” Shade said. “It is great to see them have success and it is also great to see their parents’ faces when they are doing well.” Shade began piano lessons at the age of seven. By the age of 11, she was accompanying her mother in church. Shade was given the opportunity to play for various musical groups at her school. This experience gave her the confidence she needed and thus, was the beginning of a lifetime piano career. She has continued to study piano throughout the years from some very professional pianists, which has allowed her
to increase her piano skills and enhance her artistic talent. The long-time pianist began teaching piano lessons at the age of 16. Shade’s students are given basic piano curriculum, music theory, scales, and other types of music that interest the student. She also plays by ear and is anxious to impart that skill to her more advanced students. Shade helps her students to realize the benefit of having a disciplined daily practice routine. In addition, a recital is provided for the students, which allows them to feel success with the progress they have made. Shade began her college career at Southern California College (now Vanguard University). She studied for two years as a music major before transferring to Cal-State San Bernardino and majored in Liberal Studies with a concentration in music. In addition, Shade created a singing group called “American Singers” at Fontana Christian School, which did public relations work to help build the school. She both directed and accompanied this group, which lasted for six years.
After several months away, Jenks resident Linda Shade is ready to get back in the studio and teach piano lessons again. Photo/Courtesy Following graduation, Shade first taught school at Fontana Christian School for four years, and then moved on to the beach area to Torrance Christian School as a regular elementary
teacher and also a music director. She then moved on to Gardena, California and was a music director for four years. According to Shade, that was her favorite teaching position,
which allowed her creativity to flow, including writing music and scripts, directing orchestras, directing choirs, teaching classroom music theory, and many other musical activities. After leaving Gardena, Linda traveled to Oral Roberts University where she studied music theory, advanced piano, composition, advanced piano, and other music classes for two years. While there she met some key people, including Donald Ryan from Tulsa. Donald has been a great asset to Linda’s musical career, as well as being a long-time friend. Following her time at ORU, Shade moved back home to Fontana and taught fifth grade in the public education system for 22 years. In 2004, Linda became the “Kids Choir” director at Sunrise Church in Rialto, California, under the direction of Music Minister, Pastor Gregory Hooper. While at Sunrise church, she met Charles Kelly, who was the one who recorded her CD. The CD “Linda’s Song,” was produced in October of 2008, which includes her arrangements and some original songs.
Since the initial CD in 2008, Shade has recorded “Linda’s Christmas Dream” in 2013 and “Peace Through the Storm” in 2016. In 2011, Shade retired from teaching and moved back to Tulsa to live with her dad, David Shade. She says she will continue to share her music in churches and community events as opportunities arise. She praises God for the talent He has given her. Shade has been teaching piano for nearly a decade in the Tulsa area. In her career, Shade has achieved a high school diploma with National Guild of Piano Teachers and become a member of National Music Teachers Association in the Oklahoma State Division and Tamta, the Tulsa Division. “I love teaching piano,” Shade said. “I love what I am doing.” Lessons with Shade cost $140 per month for a 45-minute lesson each week, $180 per month for an hour-long session each week and a one-time registration fee of $25. You can sign up by going to www.jenkspianolessons.com or www.gospelmusicok. com.