Okla. high school sponsoring Native American Convocation

Jenks sponsoring Native American Convocation May 15



JENKS, Okla. – On Saturday, May 15th, the Jenks Public Schools Native American Education department will sponsor the 2nd Annual Native American Convocation. Twenty-two Native American students will participate in the event scheduled for 6 p.m. in the High School’s Building 5 auditorium.



“Last year, of the more than 100 Native American students who graduated from Jenks High School, we had 17 students choose to participate in our convocation ceremony, so it’s exciting and encouraging to see an increase this year,” said Native American Education Coordinator Linda Rodgers. “Last year’s convocation ceremony proved to be an enjoyable event for our students, their families, and the Native American community, and I expect this year’s ceremony to be equally memorable.”



Former U.S. Representative Brad Carson, a Jenks alumni and Rhodes Scholar, is the keynote speaker for the convocation ceremony, and the ceremony will also feature a special tribute to Wilma Mankiller, the first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation.



“We were so sad to lose such an important, influential leader, and we felt it only appropriate to set aside time in this year’s convocation ceremony to honor Chief Mankiller and remember all that she has done for her people,” said Rodgers.



Following the convocation ceremony, a reception will be held on the 3rd floor of the Robert L. Sharp Health and Fitness Center. The current Miss Creek Nation will be in attendance, and the reception will feature traditional food and customs, including a performance by Fancy Dancers Mike and Lisa Pahsetopah.



For more information about the convocation ceremony or the Native American Education Program contact Linda Rodgers at 299-4415, ext. 2769.