Student Staff Goodbyes

Courtney Coulter As my high school career comes to an end, I want to thank the people who have helped me along the way. Teachers- Thank you for perfecting my strengths and developing my weaknesses. Your dedication to your work is admirable and appreciated. Parents- Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go to Holland Hall. Even if I do not always show it, I am grateful for all the sacrifices you have made for me. Friends- You all will never know how much you all mean to me. Your support and love have helped me through good times and bad times. I am so lucky to have you all in my life. I also want to thank HSSTM for giving me the opportunity to work on the student section of the magazine. As I move on to college and continue to study journalism, I will always remember where I got my start. Amy Crowe Last year I decided to do something very stupid for the Trojan Torch a.k.a. Jenks High School's newspaper; I came up with the bright idea that I would try every sport possible and then write a column about it. This act of teenage impulses landed me a position at the magazine working to create a section for teens, by teens. Now our dream is a reality and as a senior in high school I can rightfully say that I have worked at a nationally known magazine as a student staff member. This opportunity has created scholarships, given me a ton of experience in the media industry, and really let me realize my full potential as an editor and journalist. When I am not spending time at the magazine I am the Editor-in-Chief of the Trojan Torch, run track and cross country, am an active member of student council, my youth group, and many other clubs at school; or, I am getting caught up on the latest episode of Lost and living the life of a "Disney kid." My experience at High School Sports has helped to form my senior year and aided me in my career track in communications, which I will study at Southern Methodist University in the fall. As a word of thanks.you rock Mom and Dad (as well as the magazine staff, my friends, the other folks in my family, my dogs.)! Jayme Turner Graduation! It is one word that carries high school students through the final trudge of a sentimental year. Beyond prom and the inevitable case of "senioritis," it is the final step I will take in saying goodbye to an amazing twelve years. Looking back, it is impossible for me not to ignore my blessings. I enjoyed every moment I experienced, and the people who shared these experiences with me. I have, undoubtedly, the most amazing family I could ever desire and without their constant strength and encouragement I could not make it. My best friends go beyond any level of support I could desire, and I know I will always have a place in my life for them, regardless of where we all end up. I am so thankful to have spent these years at a place I consider to be the greatest school around, Jenks High School. I have had the opportunity to be surrounded by the most amazing students and teachers one could ever hope to find. I am also so appreciative of the opportunities I have been given by everyone at "High School Sports," particularly Brad Heath, and the guidance and education I have received from unarguably the most dedicated high school journalism teacher, Brenda Fienning. So, as I prepare to take the walk across the stage, I am excitedly preparing to continue my education and attend the University of Tulsa, where I will study mass communications and political science. ShaQuysta Davis I was so excited when the 2007 class president passed the burning torch over to the class president of 2008. To me that meant it was finally my turn. To kick it all off we had our annual Back-to-School-Bash! At the bash, there were hot dogs, music, Frisbee, and best of all, the mud slide! At the beginning of the event everyone including myself was worried about being cute, but hitting the end of that slide right into the mud was the true ice breaker; all cleanliness and cuteness was then unimportant. And then there was spring break. Even though I did not get to take a cruise or a trip to Florida, everyday of the week was an adventure. From parties to church and from church to bowling, I learned so much and met so many people. During this year, I made decisions and tried things, good and bad, that I never thought I would endure. At the beginning of my junior year I began interning at High School Sports the Magazine. If Brad had not given me the opportunity to participate with the magazine, I may not have had discovered that there was more to journalism than writers. There are the marketers, the layout designers, the editors, and many more. From my junior year until now my interest in majors for college has changed from journalism to marketing. Everyone has regrets, but we must learn from them in order to grow. If a person does not try then a person doesn't know what they are missing. It's almost over 2008! We did it!