Jenks Tribune, Digital Issue 28 - February 28. 2020

• FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 • JENKSTRIBUNE.COM •

SEE INSIDE

PUCKETT CELEBRATES 45TH YEAR Jenks resident has been in th insurance business for 45 years. Read the story on Page 3A.

Jenks boys, girls swim capture 6A titles The Jenks High School boys and girls swim teams each won the 6A state championships Saturday at the Jenks High School Aquatic Center at the 6A State Swimming Championships. See the story on Page 1B. Photo/Hayden Tucker

City of Jenks hires new City Planner

‘ALL THE THINKS YOU CAN THINK’ Jenks High School is set to deliver “Seussical the Musical” next week. Read the story on Page 4A.

By KYLE SALOMON

ksalomon@jenkstribune.com

Jenks Police Chief Cameron Arthur (left) and Major Arthur Solomon were inducted into the Marine Corps League Saturday. Photo/Courtesy

Jenks Police Chief inducted into Marine Corps League PAINTING WITH A PURPOSE Jenks resident James Herron wins VA painting competition. Read the story on Page 5A.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID JENKS, OK PERMIT NO. 7

By KYLE SALOMON

ksalomon@jenkstribune.com

Jenks Police Chief Cameron Arthur, along with Jenks Police Major Arthur Solomon were inducted into the Tulsa Marine Corps League Saturday.

Former Jenks resident Lorne Kasdin, United States Marine Corps Veteran and Marine Corps League member conducted the induction.

Last fall, Arthur was asked if Jenks Police would participate in a fundraiser car wash put on by the Marine Corps League to help raise money to send U.S. Marine Veterans to the annual Marine Corps Ball.

Arthur obliged and sent several Jenks Policemen to the event.

“I said absolutely,” Arthur said.

“Anytime service people and heroes want our help, we are going to help.

It was a good day. I believe 8-10 Marine Veterans got the chance to go to the Marine Corps Ball because of that fundraiser. It is an honor to be an associate member of such a great team. These guys have served their country and served it proud and anything we can do for them we are going to do.”

Arthur added that he wants the partnership between the Jenks Police Department and Marine Corps League to do great things in the community.

“We are going to participate with them in a lot of upcoming events and help each other out,” Arthur said. “Some more car washes are potential ideas, but we are welcome to citizens’ input if they want to get involved as well. We want to be strong partners in the community.

It makes sense to do this together.

We look forward to the partnership.”

Marcae’ Hilton was recently hired by the City of Jenks to be its new City Planner following the departure of Jim Beach.

Beach, who held the position from October of 2017 to Jan. 31 of this year, resigned to pursue other opportunities.

Hilton will begin with the City of Jenks March 10.

Hilton has more than eight years of municipal experience. She served as the Executive Assistant to the City Manager and Staff Planner of the City of Broken Arrow and most recently as the City Planner for the City of Bixby.

“Marcae’ was highly recommended by other planners around the Tulsa metro,” Jenks City Manager Chris Shrout said. “Bixby and Jenks are very similar communities, so it was a good fit. I believe we are set up for success here. This hire is crucial for the finalization of the new comprehensive plan and updating the zoning code and will help shape the future of the city.”

According to Shrout, the search for the new City Planner was nationwide and the City of Jenks received applications from people all across the country. He said the interview process began with a phone interview with Jenks Assistant City Manager Robert Carr and then a face-to-face interview with Carr with Shrout.

Hilton will report directly to Carr, according to Shrout.

Hilton received her Masters of Science in Urban Design from the University of Oklahoma and her Bachelor’s of Science in interior Design from Oklahoma State University.

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Jenks Tribune Founded, owned, operated and published

by Hyperlocal LLC 329 S. Elm Street Suite #201 Jenks, Oklahoma 74037 Phone: 918-528-7272 Fax: 918-528-5605 www.jenkstribune.com

Jenks Tribune Mission Statement “We are the Jenks community’s hometown source for hyperlocal news, sports and information that the people of our community need to know.”

Jenks Tribune is mailed weekly through the Jenks Postal Office and United States Postal Service to U.S. Postal customers in the 74037 zip code

Jenks Tribune Staff Kyle Salomon

Owner: Hyperlocal LLC Publisher: Jenks Tribune Office Phone: 918-528-7272 Mobile Phone: 918-231-0787 Email: ksalomon@ jenkstribune.com

Hayden Tucker Director of Media/ Sports Editor: Jenks Tribune

Office Phone: 918-528-7272 Mobile Phone: 405-651-8451 Email: htucker@ jenkstribune.com

Jinger Wiesman

Creative Director/ Advertising Executive: Jenks Tribune Office Phone: 918-528-7272 Mobile Phone: 918-813-0654 Email: jwiesman@ jenkstribune.com

Cami Rogers Advertising Executive: Jenks Tribune Office Phone: 918-528-7272 Mobile Phone: 918-688-2264 Email: camirogers9@ cox.net

Friday, February 28, 2020

HEARING FROM THE OWNER’S BOX JENKS TRIBUNE SET TO LAUNCH NEW VISION We are 29 weeks into the Jenks Tribune, and we are set to launch a new vision starting in March.

The Jenks Tribune Media Network will provide our audience a chance to receive information in different ways both in print form and digitally.

Transition and being adaptable is vital to success in any industry, but especially in the media industry. That is what we are doing here at the Jenks Tribune.

We started out mailing to every mailbox in Jenks and after 14 weeks, we made the transition to a free subscription model. The transition has gone well for us, as it has allowed our readers to receive the Jenks Tribune the way they prefer it, and the response has been positive from our audience.

This next transition is a little more drastic, but it is a positive one.

Starting in March, we are shifting to a monthly print product with a weekly digital edition on the website, weekly videos, weekly podcasts with daily website and social media posts.

MONTHLY PRINT PRODUCT Our monthly print product will run the first Friday of every month. The print product will be just the print products now

majority of the content will be stories. There will not be as many photos in the digital edition as the monthly print product. The digital editions will also not be as big in terms of number of pages.

with hyperlocal news and sports information.

There will be a good mixture of stories and photos. The monthly print product will have more human-interest feature stories with more photo galleries.

The majority of the content in the monthly print product will not be time sensitive.

WEEKLY DIGITAL EDITION The weekly digital edition will be just like our e-edition we have right now that runs every Friday. The weekly digital edition will be released at 7 a.m. every Friday on our website.

We will gather email addresses from all of our subscribers and send out an email blast with a link to the digital edition on the website. The type of content on the weekly digital edition will be different than the monthly print product. The digital edition will have more hard news type of content, but it will still be hyperlocal. There will be a good mixture of stories, but the

WEEKLY VIDEOS The weekly videos will be similar in content to the monthly print product with the content being human-interest feature type stories that provide a lot of good visual potential. There won’t be an exact day the video each week will be released and there will be some weeks where multiple videos will be produced depending on the amount of news that needs to get out in a time sensitive way.

WEEKLY PODCASTS The weekly podcasts will be similar in content to the weekly digital editions. The podcasts will contain more hard news stories about the happenings in the Jenks community.

There will be some features done, but the majority of the podcast content will be of the hard news quality. Like the videos, the podcasts will not have a specific day they will be released and there might be weeks where their will be multiple podcasts in one week.

DAILY WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

The transition from a weekly print format to a monthly print format will allow us to put more focus on our website and social media accounts. We will be able to put daily stories on the website and link to them to our social media accounts. Most of those stories will be breaking hard news stories that we need to get out to the public immediately. We will also post more on a daily basis on our social media accounts.

We will post photos, videos and other visual-appealing content on our social media and reach our audience in a different and more innovative way.

The goal with this transition is simply to be innovative in how we deliver information to our audience, the Jenks community. Our No. 1 priority has always been to deliver information to the Jenks community and doing that in different ways is a way to stay ahead of the game.

The Jenks Tribune Media Network is here to set the standard, not follow one.

If you have any questions or concerns about our transition, please contact Kyle Salomon at ksalomon@jenkstribune.com or 918-2310787.

Sincerely, Kyle Salomon ksalomon@jenkstribune.com

GUEST COLUMN

MAIN STREET MATTERS WITH SARAH CLAVIN A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies…the man who never reads lives only one.

If you’ve stuck with me over the course of the last 9 months you’ve seen I talk a lot about exercise and ice cream, my two main hobbies, but one other hobby I routinely fail to mention is reading. Oh, how I love a good book.

In fact, I am currently willing myself to write this article as a brandnew book I purchased this weekend sits on the counter and calls my name.

You may not be a reader like I am, but I am sure there is at least one book you can recall over the course of your lifetime that has spoken deeply to you, the story moved you so much you can still remember the details, the harrowing narrative replays in your mind from time to time.

For many of my non-literature lovers, movies can provide a similar experience as a book. They don’t provide the neurological benefits of the written word, but they deliver a story, one that you can escape into and live vicariously through the characters.

Since I have been fortunate to do a bit more reading over these past few months, I thought I might bring to you a set of book reviews. So, whether you’re an avid reader, you’re getting back into it, or you’d like to give it a try again, I hope these reviews can help you cipher through the options and pick your next literary adventure!

This week I will cover Historical Fiction.

These may not be your jam, so stay tuned, the

self-help category prints next week.

1. The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah {5*} One of the most popular books of this past year. Hannah tells the tale of two very different sisters in France and the effects WWII has on their lives. As always, the characters are endearing, vulnerable, imperfect and drawing you in with each turn of the page.

The thick book tells of the ugliness of war, the broken relationships, and the awful truth about humanity during such a difficult season.

I shed tears as it finished and then I read it again. *also check out; Firefly Lane, Winters Garden, and the Light Between Oceans.

2. Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens {4*} This was the most highly recommended book by every one of the friends. Perhaps it was the setting that I missed the connection with, but while they gave it 5*, I gave it 4*. It is beautifully written with almost lyrical prose. A haunting tale of a young woman abandoned by her family and raised by nature.

Packed with romance, a resilient heroine, and mystery, this book offers a quiet draw that lures the reader in page

by page. *also check out; Beneath a Scarlet Sky, This Tender Land 3. The Alice Network – Kate Quinn {5*} My personal favorite of the few listed here. A juxtaposing story of two women affected by WWI and WWII. Two women, British and American weave their stories as they search for what appears to be different things and result in the same common enemy. Eve, a simple girl turned British spy, becomes an integral part of the part of a spy network gathering top secret intel. The tension and storytelling so vivid and real you feel as though you are living it too. Charlie is an American girl searching for her lost cousin after WWII. Their stories and lives become twisted together and so intertwined you forget they were once strangers. An enthralling story of redemption and revenge filled to the brim with historical details. You wont want to put it down. *also check out; the Lilac girls, and Cilkas Journey 4. The Great Alone – Kristin Hannah {3.5} I struggle to not rate this book higher than a 3.5 but it was such an emotional rollercoaster (and somewhat depressing) novel I had to rate it lower. Hannah delivers detailed characters and a book you can’t put down once again. A tale set in Alaska in the 70s, the characters are heart wrenchingly real.

A dynamic tale of strength, struggle and survival, physically, mentally and emotional for every single character. At so many points I was so deeply saddened by the characters’ lives

that I struggled to pick it back up again, but Hannah leaves a twisting tale that you must finish or it will leave you completely unresolved. A family jerked out of society into the wild Alaskan wilderness. A POW, abusive father, a mother who can’t break free, and a daughter who lives to tell about it all and how love is the ultimate redeemer. *also check out; Before We Were Yours, and Summer of ‘69 5. Next Year in Havana – Chanel Cleeton {3*} Personally, I loved the tale of Cuba, both post Batista and modern day. While predicable in parts, Cleeton provided a few unexpected twists and turns as we follow the lives of a grandmother and her granddaughter roughly 50 years apart. Both women share a love of Cuba, each discovering it in their own way, in their own lifetime.

Cleeton includes lots of Cuban politics and history, which I found to be an interesting refresher, but at times skimmable and skippable. The two women’s lives essentially mirror one another in a both unexpected and totally predictable way. A quick read, interesting history, complete with romance, history, and a little sexy Palm Spring – Cuban flair. *also check out; When We Left Cuba, and The Things We Cannot Say I once heard a quote, “the whole world opened to me, when I learned to read,” and frankly this could not be more true. I’ve journeyed to places I might never see in real life, Continued to CLAVIN, Page 6A

Friday, February 28, 2020

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Puckett celebrates 45 years of excellence

By KYLE SALOMON

ksalomon@jenkstribune.com

David Puckett has been a Jenks staple for multiple decades.

Puckett has been in the insurance business since 1975 and is celebrating 45 years in the industry.

After graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1973, Puckett took a sales job in Kansas City and began a successful career. The next step in his company was to send him all across the country. However, he was married to his wife Betty and just had a daughter, so he decided it was time to do something different, but still wanted to be in a type of sales.

Puckett made the drive to Broken Arrow and visited with his father, who told him he should talk to a man named Bill Brown, a new State Farm Insurance Agent in the area.

Puckett followed his father’s advice and went to visit with the new insurance agent in Broken Arrow. Brown didn’t have an opening at his agency at that time, but Puckett decided that is the career he wanted to pursue.

For the next year, he remained at his job in Kansas City and on the

David Puckett has been working in the insurance business for 45 years and has had his State Farm Agency in Jenks since 1977. Photo/Kyle Salomon weekends, he would drive to Tulsa and spend his Saturdays working in the insurance game.

Finally, following a year of long-commutes, Puckett got the call he was waiting for, there was an opening for an entry-level agent in the Tulsa area. He spent the next year-and-ahalf with an agency in Tulsa as a trainee agent.

Puckett was then given the option of opening a State Farm Insurance Agency in Jenks or Sand Springs.

He asked which school system was better and the answer was Jenks.

Puckett was in his first location from 1977 through 1980, his second location from 1980 through 1990 and then his current location from 1990 through present. The David Puckett State Farm Insurance Agency is located at 520 E. Main St. in Jenks.

Puckett said there have been quite a few changes in the industry since he began in 1975, but he has also changed through the years as well.

“There have been so many changes in the industry,” Puckett said.

“They are all mostly technology related.

Technology has made

things much faster and better if you are willing to adapt. Me personally, I would say I have become more empathetic with people.

I really want to help people and do what people need.”

Puckett said when he and his wife moved to Jenks in 1975, it was a small town.

“Everyone knew everyone, and I liked that,” Puckett said.

“The cool thing was there was a group of younger businessmen who moved into Jenks around the same time and we all became members of the Jaycee, which was the Junior

Chamber of Commerce.

We started an old community event called ‘Western Days’, which we did every year and was a great time. We helped with the Christmas Parade and the Homecoming Parade every year and I helped start ‘Leadership Jenks’ and was active in the Chamber of Commerce.

I always tried to give back to the community.

That has always been important to me.”

Puckett said he knew Jenks would grow but has been amazed how much it has grown.

“I knew Jenks would grow, but never envi-

sioned 20,000 people,” Puckett said. “The growth here has just been tremendous, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds here in Jenks.”

Puckett said one of the main reasons he has had success in the insurance industry is the people he has had working for him throughout the years.

“I have been blessed with great people working for me,” Puckett said. “I have always had good team members. They are all licensed except for the receptionist. A lot of our clients and our team members have developed good relationships and that is great to see. We have had clients, who have been with us for more than 40 years and having good people working for me has been a big reason why.”

Prior to graduating from OSU in 1973, Puckett graduated high school from Henryetta in 1966 and has been married to his wife Betty for nearly 49 years. They have two daughters, who both graduated from Jenks High School and Oklahoma State University and have four grandchildren.

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Friday, February 28, 2020

Seussical the Musical takes center stage at Jenks High School

By KYLE SALOMON

ksalomon@jenkstribune.com

Dr. Seuss will be on full display next week when the Jenks High School Vocal Music Department presents “Seussical the Musical” at the Jenks High School Performing Arts Center.

The show will last over three days with the first performance taking place at 7 p.m.

Thursday, the second at 7 p.m. March 6, the third and fourth at 2 and 7 p.m. March 7.

Jenks High School Vocal Music Director Julie Hester said the decision to do “Seussical the Musical” in 2020 was made last spring.

“We start thinking about the next year’s musical around this time of year,” Hester said. “We really liked it because we feel like it accentuates the talents and skills of our students. We have a responsibility to our department, but also a responsibility to our community to choose a musical that will be family friendly and enjoyable for people of all ages.”

It is not the first time Jenks High School has put on “Seussical the Musical”. The Jenks Vocal Music Department did the show for the first time

15 years ago in 2005.

The musical debuted on Broadway in 2000.

“It fits the students’ strengths,” Jenks Musical Director Cody Davis said. “We loved the audition process.

We were surprised in a good way with how creative and prepared the students were.”

On top of the talents and skill-level of the students, the audience will also get to see up-to-date theatre technology in full effect during the show.

Following the approval of the Jenks Public Schools School Board, the school district purchased a brand-new projection system that is Broadway-level technology.

“This is a game-changer,” Davis said. “This is what they are using on Broadway.

We are really excited to unveil it and excited for people to see it.”

Students, and faculty have been working around the clock since Winter Break prepping for the upcoming show.

Hester said it is important that everyone remembers to have fun and enjoy the process.

“We want it to be fun,” Hester said. “It is tough to deal with the pressure of only having three days to perform after all this work, but that is part of the enjoyment and the sat-

isfaction. I am so proud of the students and the faculty for all of the hard work and time they have put into this.”

When asked what makes the Jenks Musical Theatre productions special, Davis (who played the role of Cat In the Hat as a sophomore in 2005) said it’s the expectation from year-to-year.

“It started with Mrs. (Julie) Hester and Mr. (Larry) Downey (former Jenks Vocal Music Director),” Davis said.

“They created an expectation of greatness here and it has passed down from grade-to-grade from year-to-year. It’s not just with the musicals, but all aspects of the vocal music program. The expectation is to be great and the training has always been that way.”

Tickets to “Seussical the Musical” are still on sale at jenksvocal. tix.com.

Jenks High School Vocal Music Department will put on “Seussical the Musical” March 5 through March 7 at the Jenks High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at jenksvocal.tix. com. Photos/Kyle Salomon

Friday, February 28, 2020

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New York Life agent, Jenks resident, named New Organization Agent of the Year SUBMITTED

Special to the Jenks Tribune

Michael Watkins from the Tulsa General Office of New York Life Insurance Company, an agent since 2018 has received the New Organization Agent of the Year Award.

This award recognizes the agent within their first 4 years with the Company who has achieved the top production or first year sales commissions among all new organization agents at the Tulsa General Office within a calendar year.

“We applaud

Michael Watkins Michael for this achievement,” said John B. Stagg, managing partner at Tulsa General Office. “Being acknowledged as the New Organization Agent of the Year is a

significant accomplishment and recognizes Michael for his ability to meet the financial needs of families and businesses in our community.”

Michael Watkins has been a staple in the Jenks/South Tulsa business community since 2006.

Prior to being named New Organization Agent of the Year, Michael also was named a member of the 2018-2019 Executive Council of New York Life, which recognizes the top 21 % of New York Life’s

elite field force of more than 12,000 licensed agents in sales achievement. He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma.

Michael currently sits on the board of directors for the Tristesse Grief Center and his local Home Owners Association.

Michael and his wife Mikah are the parents of two children and reside in Jenks, OK where thefamily is active in Jenks Public Schools and Jenks youth athletics.

Jenks resident, Vietnam War Veteran wins Muskogee art competition

By KYLE SALOMON

ksalomon@jenkstribune.com

Jenks resident James Herron won first place recently at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center Creative Arts Competition in Muskogee.

Herron, a Vietnam War Veteran, will travel to Ft. Lauderdale,

Florida later this year to compete in the national competition against other winners from VA hospitals across the country.

“I never had a lesson or took any art classes or anything like that,” Herron said. “My sister had a stroke in 1998 and was paralyzed 80% on her right side. To help with her movement, we started paint-

ing together and I just developed a passion for it. I am very happy to get this far. I do it because I love it.”

Herron’s paintings do more than just win art competitions, they provide fellow United States Military Veterans enjoyment as well.

“I enjoy doing the paintings for any Veterans who might

want one,” Herron said. “I don’t want anything for them, I just enjoy giving them the paintings.”

Herron also gets hired by VA’s all across the Tulsa metro to do paintings. In his spare time, Herron said he enjoys going to the Jenks Senior Center and participating in Art Classes with Delores Creekmore.

PET OF THE WEEK Junebug Featured again; Officer Sanchez would like you to meet Junebug. Picked up by Animal Control in June, in the Juniper Ridge subdivision, it’s only fitting that we named this sweet girl Junebug! She’s a 60-lb. boxer/pit mix (our best guess) that likes other dogs but does like to be the boss. She is good on a leash and riding in vehicles, and while we can’t guarantee house training, she does keep her kennel clean. We have not tested her with cats, small dogs or children, but she does seem to like all people she has met. If you’d like to meet Junebug or any of her adoptable friends, call Jenks Animal Control at 918-299-6311 option 8 or email animalcontrol@jenksok. org. Photo/Courtesy

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Friday, February 28, 2020

Oklahoma Fit hosts First Responders Day Oklahoma Fit, located in Jenks at 820 W. Main St., hosted First Responders Day Saturday and will have another First Responders Day at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Any first responders can come tour the facility, meet the coaches, workout and enjoy food. Photo/Courtesy

Jenks Avid students out outperform national averages SUBMITTED

Special to the Jenks Tribune

Jenks Public Schools has released new data for students in the Class of 2019 who were enrolled in the District’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program - a nationally recognized program that prepares students to successfully pursue college and career opportunities after high school.

Last year, 75% of Jenks High School seniors participating

in AVID sat for at least one Advanced Placement exam, compared to the national rate of 39%.

“These numbers truly reflect the diligence and commitment of our students and our staff members who have fully embraced the AVID program,” stated Dr. Stacey Butterfield, Superintendent of Jenks Public Schools.

“We want our students to be challenged in their academic endeavors and we believe facing those challenges creates confidence as

they move forward into college and their careers.”

Studies have shown that participation in AP coursework and exams have a positive impact on a student’s high school GPA, college acceptance and retention, and eligibility to receive scholarships.

“We congratulate Jenks Public Schools and their students for their outstanding achievement. Jenks Public Schools shares our deep commitment to preparing students

for a successful future, by building high expectations among teachers and students, and fostering the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in postsecondary education,” said Dr. Sandy Husk, CEO of AVID and former school superintendent. “We are proud to watch Jenks Public Schools’ students achieve their college and career goals.”

Jenks Public Schools joins the over 7,000 K-12 schools and dis-

tricts across 47 states that impact over two million students, 66 percent of which are low-income

Clavin

or first-generation college students. To learn more visit www.AVID. org.

From page 2A

lived History I’ve only heard taught in class, and experienced deep emotions through scintillating stories of others that I would never have the opportunity to experience in this life. I sit here typing by the fire in my living room, across from my own daughter, up way past her bedtime, nose buried in a book. My heart soars at the adventures she will have through each of the stories she reads. Books are a uniquely portable magic, and I hope your next literary adventure is filled with magic of every kind.

Friday, February 28, 2020

OBITUARY William “Bill” Fisher William “Bill” Fisher, age 50 of Bethlehem, GA passed away Thursday, February 20, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Lori Franklin Fisher; children, Bailey, Ben, and Abby Fisher; parents, Kent and Charlena Fisher; brother, Terry (Kim) Fisher; mother-in-law Connie Franklin; sisters-in-law, Tracy (Jimmy) Williams and Christin (Eric) Apolenis; as well a many loving nieces and nephews.

A funeral service honoring the life of Bill was held on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 3pm at Tom M. Wages Lawrenceville Chapel with Pastor Bryan Woodson officiating.

The family received friends on Saturday, February 22nd from 5pm-8pm in the funeral home. Bill will be laid to rest back in his native state of

Oklahoma at Morse Cemetery, Okemah, OK following an additional funeral service honoring Bill will be held on Saturday, February 29th at 11am at New Spring Family Church 2907 West 108th Place South, Jenks, OK 74037.

Bill is a graduate of Jenks high school in 1988, he was an accomplished pole vaulter in high school, taking many awards, including qualifying for Nationals at NEO

during college. He went to NEO on a track scholarship. Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman and was carrying on that tradition with his son. Bill was a big OU football fan and tuned in via radio or tv in Georgia to keep up with the game. He moved to Georgia after marrying Lori and made his home in Bethleham and had three wonderful children who he helped coach in their many sports and activities.

He worked for Gwinnett county fire department.

Condolences may be sent to or viewed at Park Funeral Home in Okemah or www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service LLC, “A Family Company” 120 Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 770-963-2411 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. — Psalm 62 1-2

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•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 • JENKSTRIBUNE.COM •

Both Jenks boys and girls swim teams pose with their state championship trophies Saturday. The two teams combined to break six school records on the way to winning it all.

Photo/Preston Power

Jenks boys, girls swim teams win state championships

By HAYDEN TUCKER

htucker@jenkstribune.com

Jenks became the first school in six years to win both boys and girls swim state championships Saturday.

Both teams capped off their blazing season-long run through competition with yet another impressive performance at the Jenks Aquatic Center. The girls scored 382 points, ahead of Edmond North which scored 224. The boys breezed through their competition, scoring 394 points, more than runner-up Bartlesville which scored 249.

“I couldn’t be more proud,” coach Diego Henao said. “It is almost the perfect way to win a championship.

Everyone helped, swimmers who didn’t

get the chance to qualify for state and parents cheering for the team.

“I couldn’t be more proud. This is the best job.”

The girls team got a redemption from last season.

The Lady Trojans were 20 points back from taking first place at state a year ago and now they’re back on top.

“I think the girls really deserved this and I think all our hard work really paid off,” Laney Fenton said.

Fenton’s sights were set on taking four gold medals and she did just that.

She credits her team for the accolade.

“I’m really proud of myself as a person and my team too because they really pushed me to be great,” Fenton said.

“I set my goals to get four gold medals

which did not think was possible. They pushed me to be my best and really helped me through it. I’m glad I have the team I have.”

Not only did Jenks win the championships with ease, they did it in style. The teams broke six school records along the way to winning it all, with some spanning back nearly 40 years.

Girls 200 medley relay: New time 1:48.25 (Old - 1:48.68, 2019) 100 butterfly: Jasmine Rau - 56.36 (58.09, 2019) 100 Breststroke: Laney Fenton - 1:05.71 (1:06.13, 1982) Boys 200 medley relay: 1:33.33 (1:36.14, 1998) Continued to TWO, Page 2B

Braden Gress competes in the backstroke. Photo/Hayden Tucker

Regional runner-up

By HAYDEN TUCKER

htucker@jenkstribune.com

Things are looking up for Jenks wrestling at the right time.

Last weekend the Trojans finished as runners up at the regional tournament at Broken Arrow, the highest finish in school history, and qualified nine for the state tournament, a school record.

“Saturday was absolutely a phenomenal day. It was great for Jenks wrestling.

It was the best single day of coaching I’ve ever had in my career,” coach Ray

Weis said.

The nine who qualified for state are Thatcher Hall, Drake Vannoy, Haden Crawley, Branden Elrod, Killian McGrew, Garrett Weis, Ethan Felts, John Roberts and Bryce Fisher.

Hall, Vannoy and Crawley took first place in their weights.

Typically Hall wrestles at 152 pounds, however, he jumped down to 145 for the regional tournament. He defeated Union’s Noah Smith 9-6 in the champiContinued to REGIONAL, Page 3B

Branden Elrod grapples with a Sand Springs wrestler during the regional tournament in Broken Arrow over the weekend. Photo/Hayden Tucker

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Friday, February 28, 2020

Jenks is the first school to win both the boys and girls 6A state titles since 2014. The boys and girls teams combined to break eight school records, some dating back nearly 40 years. Photo/Preston Power

Jenna Vann participates in the backstroke competition.

Photo/Hayden Tucker At left, Amaya Oliphant swims in the breaststroke. Above and below, Payton Pangburn and Austin Sung participate in the butterfly. Photos/Hayden Tucker

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From page 1B

Boys 400 freestyle relay: 3:07.59 (3:08.84, 1999) 100 breaststroke: Morne Wolmarans - 57.36 (58.56, 2019) “I ran out of ink because we broke so many records,” Henao said. “That hasn’t been done in a long time.”

Both Jenks swim teams have been goal oriented all year. Now that the final race has been won, they can sit back and feel accomplished.

Wim s “I gave them goals at the beginning of the season and we achieved a lot of them,” Henao said. “I was kind of fishing to see what happened and we got a lot of good fish.”

Friday, February 28, 2020

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Left, Thatcher Hall’s hand is raised after winning in the championship round of the 145 weight. Above, Garrett Rawins fights for positioning against a Stillwater grappler.

Photos/Hayden Tucker

Regional

From page 1B

onship round.

“He did an incredible on controlling his diet and went out there and performed well,” Weis said. “He was the number one seed and he dominated. He got better as the tournament went on and I think he’ll get better this week. I’m excited about him wrestling in the tournament this weekend.”

At 160 pounds, two-time state champion Vannoy had one of his better outings of the season. Enid’s Chance Davis had pinned Vannoy twice this year but at regionals, Vannoy turned the tides.

The Jenks senior took down

the Enid sophomore 10-4 in the championship round.

“He went out there, slowed down, was a lot more technical and pretty much beat him in every position…

There’s a reason he’s a twotime state champion and that’s because he’s tough.

When the pressure gets more, he rises to the occasion,” Weis said.

Junior Haden Crawley continued to impress despite his lack of experience.

He took first place at 220 pounds, winning over Sand Springs’ Josh Fincannon 1-0.

Crawley’s stamina makes him one of the toughest to

match up with in the state.

“He is just an absolute force on the mat,” Weis said.

“He moves forward and he goes 100 miles per hour. A lot of guys can do that for a minute, Haden will do it for six, or seven, or eight. He just keeps going and you watch kids during the match wilt, and they go ‘how is this guy still so strong and so aggressive?’”

The Trojans had a great regional tournament but they’re not going to dwell on that.

Now their attention has shifted to the state tournament. They’re not going to

spend much time patting each other on the back for their success at Broken Arrow.

“My guys that their goals were to be a state qualifier, I said congratulations, but now we’re setting new goals.

Our goal is to win our first match, our goal is to win a match, our goal is to make the finals, our goal is to place, our goal is to be a state champion. We still have plenty of goals, so I don’t want them to be happy with the experience and be down there as a spectator. I want them to step up to the next level.”

Weis says he knows he needs to push his wrestlers to achieve the ultimate goal.

“As a coach you always have to stretch your kids,” he said. “The banquet we have on March 23, that’s when I’ll say congratulations and all that stuff. Right now, you’re still in coach mode and you want to get the best out of the kids. You want to see what they’re capable of and that’s what this weekend will show us.”

The state wrestling tournament begins Friday at 9:30 a.m. at the State Fair arena in Oklahoma City.

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Friday, February 28, 2020

Trojans match up with Ponca City in regional

By HAYDEN TUCKER

htucker@jenkstribune.com

Anfernee Nelson goes over a Sapulpa defender in Jenks’ final regular season home game. The Trojans play Ponca City Friday at 8 p.m. Photo/Hayden Tucker

Jenks boys basketball has enjoyed one of its best regular seasons in recent history and they’ll look to continue that success into the regional tournament this weekend.

The Trojans (18-4) are hosting a regional tournament which features Owasso (11-12), Ponca City (9-14) and Mustang (9-12). Jenks will be matched up with Ponca City Friday in the first round.

Though the Trojans will come into the regional as favorites, they know they can’t overlook the shooting barrage that Ponca City will throw at them on Friday.

“A team that shoots a lot of threes, even if the percentage isn’t very good, the more threes you make, it adds up,” coach Clay Martin said. “They’ve got multiple kids that let it fly from deep.

We’re going to have to be good on ball defenders or if we have to help over, we’re going to give up too many threes because of the kick out.”

The Wildcats will

force Jenks to come in with defensive intensity, but Martin says he doesn’t think his team will have a difficult time with that task.

“We’ve been pretty good at it (limiting threes) all year,” he said. “Our on ball defense has been good and I think our kids have done a good job of selling out each week to, what do we need to do to try and take away something from our opponent, try and take away their strengths.

Limiting three-point shots is big this Friday.”

The Trojans started the year 16-1 but in their last five games they hold a record of 2-3. The Trojans lost to Booker T. Washington, Sand Springs and Union, whom Jenks has defeated twice in the regular season.

Despite the recent struggles, Jenks isn’t concerned about their play.

“Does it worry me?

No. we were looking at different lineups on senior night (against Sand Springs). We were looking at some different things Friday against Union knowing

we might see them again in a couple of weeks. It’s hard to beat a team three times in a year, much less four,” Martin said.

In order to break out of the recent slump, they’ll need to see an uptick in offense.

Getting better looks on shots will be key to coming out of the regional victorious.

“I think we’ve got to shoot it a little better than we have the last few games,” Martin said. “We’ve been lucky that we haven’t had a very big dip in our shooting percentages, but you get into the playoffs and you’ve got to make shots. I’d like to see us shoot with confidence.”

In the one regular season meeting, Jenks knocked off Owasso at home in a narrow 49-47 game. They have solid players at each position and a stout big man.

Mustang is a young squad, albeit dangerous. For the Broncos, Ethan Scott is considered one of the best shooters in the state.

“Our region is pretty loaded,” Martin said.

“You just want to squeak by. We’ve played good basketball all year round. The challenge is going to be, yes, these games mean a little bit more but what we’ve been doing is good enough. I’ve always told them that your good enough is good enough. Just stay true to our values.”

Jenks and Ponca City will tip off at 8 p.m. at Frank Herald Fieldhouse Friday.

• Friday, February 28, 2019 • 100 edition •

Meet our Editors in Chiefs Elise Siebert Jett Millican

Section Editors Drew Bethell Izzy Pankey

Lily Heritage

Staff Members Grace Abraham

Hayden Alexander Isabella Arias Ben Brown

Andrew Cross Natalie Eaton Mikyla Khan

Amelia Kimberling Jackson Lee

Audrey McGee Natasha Perez Andrea Rosa

Bella Skinner Greg Tiller

@JenksTrojanTorch

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Jenks Student Council raised $33,162 for Dub week to grant four Make-A-Wish wishes.

Dub week profiles

By Drew Bethell

This year for the school’s philanthropy week student council has announced that all benefits will help grant the wishes of four local Make-AWish children.

Kyra is three years old and loves taking in new experiences. She loves anything Disney but especially Moana and Ariel. Her wish is to explore Disney World so she can meet her favorite Disney princesses and take in all the new sights

and sounds she finds along the way.

Five-year-old Braedon is an outgoing, goofy, pro-wrestling fan who “loves all food”, and the color red. Braedon’s favorite hobbies include Xbox and playing his older brother, Darren, in basketball. For his wish, he wants to meet his favorite characters and ride rollercoasters.

Abe is awesome. He is five years old and has a passion for

painting and playing superheroes. He’s not just pretending though. He’s actually a sweet and friendly real-life superhero. He’s a big fan of Spider-man’s work. As a superhero, his favorite snacks include raspberries and pizza, and he enjoys shows like Daniel Tiger and Storybots. Although number four’s parents haven’t given the okay to share information about them with us yet we can only expect that he is as amazing as the others!

Pour one out for Sip: Vintage Key Coffee is here to stay

By Jett Millican

A beloved Mainstreet Jenks business has been replaced. Sip Coffee Bar closed its doors, and underwent renovation late last year. Vintage Key Coffee opened its doors on October 9th of 2019, and since then they have been pumping out made from scratch pastries and Mountain Bird brand coffee to the people of Jenks.

However, would Vintage Key fill the whole that Sip left? I had to find out for myself.

After school I made the short drive over to mainstreet, and after a walk down the street, I was in the door by 4:10, which was perfect because Vintage Key is open from 7AM to 5:30PM, Tuesday through Friday. This means that Vintage Key is the perfect close hangout to get some work done after school.

I walked in and was in awe at what some

new decor and a fresh coat of paint can do to a place. I ordered my cappuccino, as well as a peanut butter cookie.

I was also able to try out a vanilla latte, and an iced white chocolate mocha because I brought friends with me on this adventure.

After a bit of a wait, we got our drinks. My espresso was everything I was looking for, it was strong but not overbearing, and immediately revitalized me and helped the cut of the cold wind outside.

The cookie felt like coming home to fresh baked cookies from mom. The oversized cookie was a little dry, but perfect when dipped in your warm drink.

The sweeter drinks like the latte and the mocha were deliciously sweet; however, I usually just take my coffee black so I doubt I could ever make it

through the entirety of one. All the drinks written on the chalkboard were affordable and sounded delicious.

After walking in the door I was greeted by a friend of mine that I hadn’t expected to be there. She was there studying and hanging out with a friend of hers, which gave me hope that Jenks High School students could have their own new place to go with friends after school.

I believe that Vintage Key has everything good about Sip, and then some. You can go follow Vintage Key on Instagram @ vintagekeycoffee or on Facebook @VintageKeyCoffee. Go check out their website, vintagekeycoffee. com for more on their hours, as well as their own blog and photo gallery. Stop by Vintage Key this winter and warm up with a delicious coffee.

Jenks High School students Michelle Wedel (Left) and Abela Watson(Right) study and chat over drinks at Vintage Key.

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Coronavirus to COVID-19

Friday, February 28, 2020

Rustic Gate Creamery

By AMELIA KIMBERLING

By DREW BETHELL A death toll in the thousands. Over 60,000 infected. Two hospitals built in less than 10 days. The Wuhan Coronavirus has spurred global panic, grasping massive media attention, and caught the eye of the CDC. Despite this, one of the biggest side effects remains under the radar: racism. With its origins beginning in China’s Hubei province, anyone of Asian descent faces the worries of their neighbors. Although it can be transmitted by anyone, people have stuck to blaming them. In this article, the Trojan Torch did some investigation through different media sources to uncover the current state of the disease, including what it is, how it’s affecting your classmates, and how you can combat not only the sickness but the accompanying racism as well.

Origins: According to CNN, the new strain of Coronavirus began in Wuhan, China in late December of 2019. Since then, millions of people have been quarantined to combat its rapid spread. While scientists remain unsure, it is suspected that the disease was able to leap from a warm-blooded host: bats. A common food source for snakes like the Chinese cobra or Chinese krait, the disease supposedly jumped from one host to another, until it finally caught our attention when the snakes went up for sale at a seafood market in Hubei. Since its initial discovery, it’s been on the move as cases have begun to pop up across the globe. There are currently 14 cases in the United States but for now, they are contained.

Luckily, there have been no confirmed cases in Oklahoma but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t possible.

The sickness itself: Facts about the new coronavirus are still wobbly at best. Due to its sudden emergence, all scientists have to go off of is the coronavirus’ that came before it. It’s not the first of it’s kind but this new strain certainly raises some questions. They know that it spreads much like influenza, mostly by respiratory droplets transmitted via coughing or sneezing. Once inhaled, the disease can cause pneumonia and create real trouble within your respiratory system. There’s no vaccination for it but it’s not extremely deadly. Compared to this year’s flu, the coronavirus looks like the last thing we need to worry about. According to Health Magazine, the flu has killed 12,000 people between October 1, 2019, and February 1, 2020, with an estimation of nearly 30,000 total by the end of this season. However, that doesn’t mean that the coronavirus doesn’t have the potential to be a close rival. It’s most commonly transmitted through close person-to-person interaction, approximately less than six feet apart. For places like China, this could be catastrophic due to the highly condensed population.

After a long day of schoolwork, tests, and trudging sullenly from class to class, a sweet mouthful of hot-fudge-coated ice cream or a cup of a refreshing raspberry Italian soda could be a much-needed relief from a taxing day at school. So, what if such treats were only a five-minute walk from our very high school?

Rustic Gate Creamery is a soda-fountain style ice cream shop that offers anything from sundaes, shakes, and malts to Italian sodas, candy, and special pops.

Upon entering the store, guests are met with a 50’s soda-fountain feel as classic artists like Elvis hum in the background complimenting the table-top lined with bar stools that surround the work area. Rows of assorted candies line the strawberry-pink walls that ooze generous helpings of chocolate sauce. This is all just a backdrop to the soul of the restaurant: the ice cream.

An assortment of 16 flavors is offered from old-fashioned vanilla

to the best-selling Superman, a creamy mix of lemon, bubblegum, and strawberry. They claim it tastes like eating fruity pebbles -- just without the crunch, and after tasting it, I can definitely confirm that statement. It’s sweet, yet not overly fruity like sherbet.

As for me, I ordered a scoop of the raspberry cheesecake, a cheesecake flavored ice cream that perfectly mimics creamcheese flavors of biting into a dense and floury piece of cheesecake. Swirls of raspberry are bursting through the creamy layers, and it is topped off with rich pieces of chocolate chunks! A big complaint I find myself having is lack of enough cookie dough or Oreos or chocolate chips that should be found within the scoop of ice cream, but Rustic Gate’s ice cream was loaded!

They also offer more than just ice cream. Italian sodas, which are a mix of vanilla ice cream, carbonated soda, and a syrup flavor of your choice, are a hidden gem that Rustic Gate offers. I am personally not a fan of soda or

fizz, so I did not try the sample our helper and store co-owner Todd Palmer made.

However, my dad, who tried it, states “It was refreshing, perfect for a hot summer day.”

While I did not try it, I can

only imagine its refreshing qualities as the fizz bites playfully at your mouth, a perfect backdrop to the fruity flavors it is accompanied with. Both he and Palmer strongly recommend ordering a MangoPomegranate Italian Soda. While

the flavor combo looks strange on paper, Palmer says it is a hit whenever they hand it out as samples to customers.

We ended our trip to the creamery by buying a few of the “crazy” sodas they offer. One was an atomic lemonade with Kim Jong Un plastered on the label while the other was a Bob Ross themed energy drink!

Overall, Rustic Gate Creamery offers an assortment of treats that can suit any sweet craving!

They are located at 101 W Main St.

Rustic Gate Creamery is open from Wednesday to Sunday each week.

A map of current confirmed cases of COVID19 (February 24, 2020) Photo/CDC Resulting Racism: “I think at the root is fear,” says history teacher, Christina Henson. “I think anything that we don’t have an understanding of could potentially lead to that. A lot of times I don’t think people realize they’re being racist we all have the potential to have racist inclinations, even if we don’t believe it. There’s something innate in us that looks at people or something we don’t understand.”

This is not uncommon. Washington Post claims that whenever a new disease or virus hits the scene, people are stereotyped or profiled in response. People attached the Ebola virus to Africans and HIV to the LGBT community. These stereotypes are not uncommon and unfortunately student’s covering their mouths and coughing at Asian students or making racially charged coronavirus jokes aren’t either. In response to the discrimination, the World Health Organization (WHO) has shifted gears from calling it the Wuhan Coronavirus to its new official name, COVID-19. An attempt to erase its stigma, WHO made sure that its origins couldn’t be found in its name.

Combat: In times like this, it’s important to educate yourself as much as possible.

What you need to know about the spread of COVID-19 is that it travels much like the flu. Keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth should be common practice. As of right now, there aren’t any cases in Oklahoma but you should still wash your hands regularly as the flu is also going around. As for combatting the racism, the best thing you can do is to be educated on the subject and make sure you or those around you aren’t the culprits behind it.

Novak heading to National Shakespeare compeition

By HAYDEN ALEXANDER Every year the National English Speaking Union hosts the Shakesphere competition where drama students from across the country, or thespians as they are known in the theatre world, compete at state-level/branch competitions in hopes of advancing to the national level. There these performers will present Shakesperian monologues and sonnets on the Lincoln Center stage in New York City. Out of 64 branches participating in this prestigious competition, only about 50 thespian students advance to the national level, and one of those students is Jenks Senior Trystan Novak.

Novak joined the Jenks drama program as a freshman without knowing what he was getting into.

“I didn’t exactly know what it meant to be a thespian yet so I just, you know, wanted the pin and the sticker and stuff, but then it came with a lot more than that,” says Novak.

As a junior, Novak first competed in the Shakesphere competition at the state-level where he received an honorable mention.

Novak was disappointed that a comedic monologue and love sonnet he had his heart set on last

year was not on the setlist, but as luck would have it was this year.

Novak began practicing right away pouring his heart and soul into this one special performance.

“I worked with Mr. Hurst the theater director, and his predecessor Mrs.Harbolt, who is retired now, but she is a Shakesphere expert,” says Novak. “ I have been working on the comedic monologue for two years, and I have put a lot of thought into it.”

Equipped with his Shakesperian monologue paired with a romantic sonnet Novak quieted his nerves for the performance and brought the houwse down.

“It was a comedic monologue.

Everybody laughed. Everybody loved it,” says Novak.

After his performance, Novak watched the rest of the Jenks students showcase their talents; including a duet performance of Midsummer’s Night Dream. After what felt like a lifetime, the competition ended and they called Novak and his competitors to the stage. After acknowledging the 20 competitors with certificates, ribbons, and announcing the honor-

Trystan Novak recieves his first-place certificate. able mentions the moment of truth finally came.

“They announced third place, second place. I was breathing really hard, my vision went blurry, and my heart was pounding.

The adrenaline was going,” says Novak. “ the judge said drumroll please, and then Trystan Novak.

The crowd (especially Jenks Students) went wild as Novak collected his certificate.

Friday, February 28, 2019

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Menstruation happens. Period.

The cost of being female

By Mikyla Khan

Periods. They Happen.

We do not control them.

Menstruation is the process of blood discharging from the lining of the uterus. It usually occurs once a month from the ages of puberty to menopause. The average person who menstruates endures a median number of 451.3 total periods over 34.7 years. Over a lifetime we spend around 11.3 years menstruating.

Fun… right?

Menstrual periods have the power to intervene into the daily lives of students everywhere.

“I will go an unhealthy amount of time without changing my pad because I don’t want to waste more pads,” says Senior Gabe Banner.

“The less pads I use, the less I have to go out and buy. I have to get the heavy flow and overnight, and those are more expensive than the regular kind.

It is kind of gross how often I will risk my health just to not go out and buy more pads.”

Not only is experiencing a menstrual period expensive, but it can be highly unpredictable as well.

“Funny story, my periods are really irregular,” Senior Ashlyn Peek laughs. “I experience months in between, and then they will last for months.

There was a point in time where it got so bad, I would just carry the box [of tampons] in my backpack, just in case.”

There will be blood…

on your pants. If you’re at school and a period comes by surprise or you run out of the necessary products, pads and tampons are only available in the nurse’s office at Jenks High School. Having to take class time to travel to the smallest corner of the Math and Science can be a pain. Why are necessary period products not readily available in every bathroom?

“I shouldn’t have to walk all the way to the Math and Science Center every time I feel some blood in my pants,” Banner laughs.

“What am I supposed to do when I’m in building 5 and I feel a little leakage? What am I going to do then?

I’m going to waddle my blood stained pants all the way to the Math and Science. The walk of shame. I will go to the bathroom. I will wrap my underwear in toilet paper. I will cross my fingers and pray, and I am not religious!”

Having feminine hygiene products available in only one location at Jenks High School can be an issue. Administration was asked if there is a possibility of expanding the locations on campus in which pads and tampons can be accessed?

“This is where it becomes a double-edged sword and almost hypocrisy. It comes down to cost,” Assistant Principal Ellen Vannoy stated. “We have not thought about it [expanding

pads/tampons to other buildings] because the Math and Science is considered our central location. It can’t hurt to do a test run with pads and tampons available in the bathrooms.”

However administration has doubts as to the effectiveness of providing feminine

bathrooms,” says Banner. “From my understanding it was a student(s) and not administration.”

Many girls who attended Jenks Middle School recall 25cent dispensers being available in the bathrooms.

However, Middle School Administration was consulted and the

hygiene products in multiple locations.

dispensers are not in use.

“We do not fill the dispensers in the girls bathrooms,” states Jenks Middle School Assistant Principal Lenna Coffman. “The nurses office has a supply of pads only for students and we also keep a supply in the counseling office.”

Although these dispensers exist and are at the disposal of Jenks, they are not put in to use. In contrast to the High School, the Middle School has period products available in their counseling offices.

Although the issue of the availability of feminine hygiene products is of vital importance,

Vannoy states, “I think you have to ask yourselves ‘what if one person takes everything?’ or ‘what is the long term goal?’ ” A few years ago in the Dining Hall bathrooms, there was a basket filled with pads, tampons, and a couple notes with positive affirmations. We do not know where they came from, but an effort to make these products available in another location was made.

“I remember it being there a couple times.

The thing that kind of sucked is that I only saw it in those

it may not reach the attention of people in power.

“I honestly don’t know enough about the current issues and why there would be constraints to offering [feminine hygiene products] or not,” stated Jenks High School Site Principal David Beiler. “That has not been an issue at the state level as far as I know.”

According to Global Citizen and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization girls are less likely to graduate from secondary school and worldwide 131 million girls are out of school- 100 million are high school age.

Nearly 1 in 5 American girls have missed school due to a lack of period protection.

Without proper education and resources, girls can miss 10-20% of school days. Sometimes they drop out completely.

“To keep kids in school, we need to provide that [pads/ tampons] for them and not make it an embarrassment for them to have to go and ask a teacher or a nurse for it,” says family and consumer science teacher Rebecca McAmis. “If we spread awareness and make people feel more comfortable, menstruation is not as scary of a situation.”

Jenks High School administration reassures access to resources are available to aid students if needed.

“We definitely want to hook them [students]

up with resources and that is why we have social workers and other resources for students in need. Whether it is feminine hygiene products, food, clothing, and other basic needs, we have resources to connect them with because we want to make sure they have access to them,” says Beiler.

There is a precedent to supplying free menstrual products for students at Jenks.

Schools in New York City began to supply free products in 2016 and the state followed in 2018.

A tweet from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo April 2, 2018 stated “Schools in New York State will now be required to provide free menstrual products in restrooms for girls in grades 6 through 12. Menstrual products are as necessary as toilet paper and soap, but can be one expense too many for struggling families.”

Illinois has a similar law and California mandates free feminie products in schools.

In the past Jenks has done a baby shower and women’s shelter drive. According to McAmis, there is a possibility of adding pads and tampons to that list in the future.

McAmis says, “Pads and tampons would be a great addition.

To have a place where people can come and get something would be great, where they would not have to ask or feel embarrassed.”

Going for a strike: Jenks bowling team

By Elise Siebert

Though it’s largely unknown, those on the Jenks High School bowling team are invested.

The bowling season started in November and the team has been working hard to gain their skills for the upcoming competitions.

Many Jenks students are not aware of the High School bowling team because it is actually not funded by the school or a booster club. The team operates through Andy B’s bowling alley and they are having a strong season so far.

The boy’s team has six members and the girl’s team has five members and each bowler is at a different skill level. Thankfully, the boy’s coach, Doug Napier, and the girl’s coach, Steven Waryas, work hard to help the bowlers improve their skills and become more confident.

“It’s really less about the sport and more about having fun. As it has progressed I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve gotten to hang out with new people and it is something I look forward to.” says Senior Andrew Carter.

his senior year to help the team qualify for competitions because there must be five for each team. Although some of the other teammates have been playing for years.

“I started the second semester of my freshman year. I joined at first to spend time with my brother but it’s actually been really fun hanging out with my friends,” says Senior Brooke Bachelder, “It’s not really anything serious, it is just something fun to do outside of school. We have been practicing every Thursday and we have games every Friday.”

Since bowling is such a personal sport, it takes a lot of self-dedication. The bowlers have been working hard to improve every week leading up to Regionals so they can then qualify for State.

“At practice, I will work on my technique and form,” says Senior Thomas Mckenna, “ I started by watching videos on what works best and I had a friend who also was a great bowler and he helped me.”

The team ending their season at Regionals on

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Friday, February 28, 2020