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J-Town Journal, 269 Highway 3086, Jenkins, KY (2025)

09/29/2025

"When Jenkins Went Dark" by Peyton Wilder & Mylee Miller

Last fall in Jenkins, people started whispering about the woods on the edge of town, about an overgrown tunnel. Strange lights floated between the trees, too bright and steady to be flashlights, and animals started disappearing without a sound. My friends and I thought we were brave enough to check it out one night, but the second we stepped out of the car, the air turned freezing cold, though it was still September. The woods were dead quiet, and when the lights flickered on, they didn’t just move—they drifted toward us. For a second, I could’ve sworn I saw a tall, twisted figure standing between the trees, its head tilted like it was studying us.

By the next morning, the whole town was on edge. A teacher claimed she heard scratching on her windows all night, and someone swore they saw handprints on the inside of their locked shed. Even the streetlights around Jenkins started flickering after dark, like the whole town was being swallowed up by whatever came crawling out of those woods—or maybe out of the tunnels beneath them.

Everyone in Jenkins knows the tunnel is abandoned, hasn't been used in years. That night, though, it felt like those tunnels weren’t empty anymore. When the wind shifted, it carried a hollow echo, like something breathing from underground.

I’ll never forget how it felt leaving that night. We drove away fast, but I kept staring in the mirror. I could still see the lights glowing faintly through the trees, following us, like Jenkins wasn’t just our town anymore. It belonged to them, and they had more than one way in.

09/29/2025

This week, on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, Jenkins Middle High School’s Beta Club will be having its annual Induction Ceremony to welcome new members. The event will be held in the school’s library at 6 PM, though families are expected to be seated by 5:55. Beta Club Inductees should arrive in room 113 by 5:30 PM. The Beta Club Induction Ceremony is performed annually, and the event is very formal. Existing members of Beta Club have already volunteered to arrive an hour early/leave an hour late in order to set up/clean up. By doing so, they will receive community service hours, which is extremely beneficial for college and the workplace. Some of Beta Club’s members actually have titles for their specific roles, such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. However, even though some members have specific roles, each and every member plays their part in ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Due to the formality of this ceremony, there is a rather strict dress code policy for attending members and inductees. Gentlemen are permitted to wear collared shirts with slacks, with both the option and recommendation of a tie. Ladies are permitted to wear dresses or formal blouses, shirts, sweaters, cardigans, or turtlenecks with skirts or slacks. Ladies and gentlemen are not permitted to wear jeans, shorts, or leggings. Refreshments and food will be provided in the cafeteria after the ceremony. Beta Club’s beloved sponsor, Clay Johnson, states that “We have a really good class of inductees this year, and I am very excited to see how they find success within Beta Club.”

Isaiah Eldridge, Tila Collins, & Ben Swindall

09/24/2025

Clay Johnson Leads New High School Academic Team with Big Goals

A brand-new chapter is opening for students at the high school, as English teacher and academic coach Clay Johnson introduces the school’s first academic team in a long time. With seven students already on board, Johnson is optimistic about the program’s future and excited to see where it can go.

The team’s first meet will be part of the Pike County League, held on a weekday evening. While this marks only the beginning, Johnson has his sights set on bigger competitions down the road. “A lot of kids were interested in competing because of their experience with the middle school team,” he explained. “I wanted to give them the opportunity to continue.” His long-term goals include joining the East Kentucky Academic Conference (EKAC) and eventually taking part in the Governor’s Cup, with hopes of building a program that grows steadily and brings home consistent wins.

For now, the focus is on growth, practice, and preparation. With a mix of learning styles among team members, Johnson takes a flexible approach. “I try to keep an open mind on how everyone studies,” he said. “I’m not going to overdo or rush people. I want to give them the chance to study in the way that works best for them.” Quick recall drills and personalized practice help students close knowledge gaps while staying on pace together.

So far, the team seems strongest in social studies and science, but Johnson emphasizes that the leap from middle school to high school competition is no small step. “The difference is really in the level of difficulty,” he said. “A lot of times in high school you’re asked questions on material you haven’t even had in class. Middle school competitions include high school-level content, but at the high school level you’re looking at upper-level high school and even college material.”
Even with challenges ahead, Johnson is hopeful that the new team will develop into something long-lasting. For him, it’s not just about wins—it’s about growth. “My hope is to see this team grow year after year,” he said. “If we can do that, the victories will come.”

Freshman Landon Thacker, a student on the academic team states, “Even though it just started, I like it so far.” He mentions how he “loves his peers” and “likes how he is helping him figure out how to memorize questions and answers they didn't know.”

So far, the team seems strongest in social studies and science, but Johnson emphasizes that the leap from middle school to high school competition is no small step. “The difference is really in the level of difficulty,” he said. “A lot of times in high school, you’re asked questions on material you haven’t even had in class. Middle school competitions include high school-level content, but at the high school level, you’re looking at upper-level high school and even college material.”

09/24/2025

This Week’s Topic: The Phone Ban in Kentucky

This school year, Kentucky introduced a new phone ban requiring that students keep cell phones and smart devices put away during instructional time. Opinions across the school community have varied, with students, teachers, and administrators all weighing in.

Principal Marvin Boggs explained:
“We’re just trying to be in compliance with new state guidelines that really aren’t much different from what we already had in our student handbook and district policy. The state mandates that there be no cell phones or smart devices out during instructional time. We know students rely on those devices, so we tried to make accommodations—as long as they don’t have them out. Some districts ban them completely and make students put them away, but we didn’t want to do that. As long as students comply and don’t have them on or out during class, we don’t need to take further steps. Teachers also have the option to take phones and put them in a cell phone holder if issues come up, but so far I haven’t had complaints or problems with abuse. We also wanted students to keep them in case teachers want to use phones for assignments or interactive polls. So far, the policy has worked well, and since it follows state guidelines, I think we’ll be able to continue it.”

Student William Henrikson shared a different view:
“Personally, I do not like the phone ban because I feel like it takes away some security for both students and parents. If something happens during the day, we can’t talk to them right away to let them know we’re okay. That’s the downside. But I do think there’s a positive side, because it helps kids be less reliant on phones during the day. Still, I’d rather be able to have mine.”

Teacher Clay Johnson expressed support:
“I’ve long thought that kids overuse their phones in class, so with this new phone law, I think it’s been a long time coming. For me, it’s definitely helped with classroom management. Kids still try to use their phones whenever they can get away with it, and I still catch some doing that, but overall, I think it’s a great law. It’s a step in the right direction for reducing overreliance on technology in the classroom.”

While the new phone ban has drawn mixed reactions, it’s clear that students, teachers, and administrators are all adapting in different ways. Some see it as a positive step toward reducing distractions, while others worry about losing quick access to communication. As the school year continues, the impact of the policy will become clearer for everyone.

Peyton Wilder & Mylee Miller

09/24/2025

Every Bead Counts: High Attendance Day

Last week, Jenkins Middle High School held a special event titled “Rock Paper Scissors Tuesday” as a special treat for its students. Similarly, Burdine Elementary had inflatables and icees. Tuesday, September 9th, was High Attendance Day for Kentucky’s collection of schools. Each grade was given an attendance goal to meet. Unsurprisingly, 11 out of 13 of Jenkin's grade levels met their attendance goals. In fact, 5th and 7th grades had perfect attendance. The school was beyond proud, but unsurprised because they knew their students had it in them. In order to motivate students into wanting to come to school for High Attendance Day, staff at JMHS continued the tradition of rock, paper, scissors day. A day where students and staff participate in a fun, competitive game of rock, paper, scissors. This game proved to be effective in attracting students not only this year, but last year as well.

Now, to explain the basis of the game played last week. Each student was given 10 green, plastic beaded necklaces upon arrival on Tuesday morning. After morning announcements, the pledge, and our moment of silence, announcer Winston Lee informed the school of the rules of the game. Students were told that throughout the day, they would be “dueling” their peers, and possibly their teachers, in rock, paper, scissors. The winner of the "duel" takes one of the loser’s necklaces. The person with the most necklaces at the end of the day wins, and when a person runs completely out, they lose.

You know the basics of the game, you know the reason, and you know the players. It's time you knew the winners! Middle School’s Champion was Bryce Sturgill, stealing the win from runner-up Paul Hall. High school’s champion was Nathan Jensen, who, in a close battle, stole the win from runner-up Sophie Wilder. The staff's champion was Winston Lee, with Clay Johnson following closely as runner-up. These activities are crucial to the development of students' brains and their ability to motivate themselves to show up when it's most important. Jenkins Independent Schools took a big step in engaging their students and managed to reach their outstanding attendance goals.

09/16/2025

Robotics at Jenkins: More Than Just Robots

At Jenkins Middle High School, the robotics team is gearing up for another exciting season under the guidance of coach Mr. Trey Johnson. His goal for the year isn’t focused solely on winning—it’s about fostering a true appreciation for robotics and the process that makes it all possible.

FTC robotics competitions challenge students with much more than just building machines. “It involves critical thinking and planning with integration of teamwork to complete a task related to the theme,” Johnson explained. Each event pushes students to think creatively, solve problems, and collaborate under pressure.

But it’s not all work. According to Mr. Johnson, some of the most rewarding moments happen outside the competition floor. “The trips we get to take are fun, as well as making new friends,” he shared, emphasizing how travel and connection help make the program special.

Students gain skills that extend far beyond robotics. They learn programming, design, and construction while also sharpening communication and collaboration through team problem-solving. These lessons prepare them not only for competitions but also for future academic and career paths.

Of course, the journey isn’t without challenges. “Two of the biggest problems are simply getting the robot built and navigating teamwork with others,” Johnson admitted. Still, the Jenkins robotics team continues to grow stronger each year. For him, the true victory is watching students build confidence, creativity, and lasting friendships—proving robotics is about far more than just robots.

By Keira Stanley & Kiley Bevins

09/15/2025

The Jenkins Lady Cavs volleyball team showed incredible resilience in their recent matchup against Letcher Central (LCC), battling point-for-point and pushing the contest all the way to a decisive 5th set. Though the match didn’t end in their favor, the team’s effort and determination were undeniable, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with on the court.

The season is heating up quickly with three big games on the horizon. The Lady Cavs will travel to Eastside on September 15th, face Knott County on September 16th, and then square off against Prestonsburg on September 18th. Each matchup is another chance to showcase their growth, teamwork, and relentless drive.

Let’s pack the stands, bring the energy, and cheer them on as they continue to fight hard this season. With the heart and hustle they’ve already shown, there’s no doubt the Lady Cavs are ready to make their mark.

Peyton Wilder & Mylee Miller

09/15/2025

History Made: Jenkins Soccer Wins First Game in School History

Last night marked a historic moment for Jenkins Middle High School, as the Cavaliers hosted their first-ever home soccer game on September 9th, 2025. Though the school was founded back in August of 1912—over 113 years ago—the soccer program was only formed this year. In their debut match, the Cavs didn’t just take the field; they made history with a decisive 3–0 victory over Buckhorn.

The team is led by Coach Ethan Cummings, whose leadership has already left a major impact on his players. But it was the students who stole the spotlight. Senior Chase McNeely will forever be remembered for scoring the first goal in Jenkins soccer history. He didn’t stop there—McNeely went on to score again, cementing himself as the Cavs’ first multi-goal scorer. Fellow senior Roger Niles sealed the win with the third and final goal, sending the crowd into a wave of applause and celebration.

The following morning, players were met with congratulations, shoulder pats, and plenty of praise from staff and classmates alike. Teachers and peers alike made sure the team knew how proud the school was of their achievement. While the excitement is still fresh, the team is already back to work, determined to prove this win was no fluke.

The idea of soccer at Jenkins was once little more than a distant suggestion, debated for years before finally becoming a reality. Now, just one game in, the program is already creating memories, momentum, and school pride. With more matches ahead, the Cavaliers are eager to continue building their legacy—one goal, one game, and one victory at a time.

Tila Collins, Isaiah Eldridge, & Ben Swindall

09/11/2025

Exploring Science Hands-On in Ms. Baker’s Biology Class

In Ms. Alandra Baker’s college-level biology class, students recently completed a lab on the properties of water, trading textbooks for test tubes as they explored science in action.
In Ms. Alandra Baker’s college level biology class students recently completed a lab on the properties of water, trading textbooks for test tubes as they explored science in action.

The lab was set up in stations, and students worked in pairs or small groups, rotating once they had finished. This format kept the class moving at a steady pace while still allowing each group to focus on the activity in front of them. The hands-on design made it easier for students to understand and remember why water is such an essential part of life.

Beyond the science itself, the lab offered another benefit: experience with college-level coursework. Since Ms. Baker’s class provides credit opportunities, these kinds of labs prepare students for higher education while giving them the chance to earn credit at no cost.

This was only the beginning of what students can expect this year. Upcoming experiments include labs on chemical reactions, mixtures and solutions, cell size, and paper chromatography. Each one will build on previous lessons while keeping students engaged through interactive exploration.

Through activities like these, Ms. Baker’s class is turning science into an experience — one that challenges students to learn by doing.

Keira Stanley & Kiley Bevins

09/10/2025

New Faces, New Energy: Jenkins Welcomes Six New Teachers
Jenkins Middle High School is starting the year with fresh energy thanks to six new teachers who have joined the faculty. Each brings unique experiences, passions, and perspectives, but all share a commitment to supporting students and strengthening the Jenkins community.

First, we want to welcome Melissa Owens, our new Special Education teacher. Mrs. Melissa Owens, a graduate of UVA-Wise, brings a strong background in counseling and Special Education, along with years of experience working with children in foster care. Inspired by her son Kale’s positive experiences at Jenkins, she is excited to build connections with students and make a difference in their lives.

Next, the high school welcomes Wes Summers, our new High School Social Studies teacher. Mr. Wes Summers, also a graduate of UVA-Wise, enters his second year of teaching as Jenkins’ new high school social studies teacher. Dedicated to helping students grow academically and personally, he also serves as a boys’ basketball coach. Outside of school, he enjoys raising his young son, Westin, with his wife.

The middle school welcomes Ms. Shelby Casebolt as its new Science teacher. Ms. Casebolt, a University of Pikeville graduate, is in her second year of teaching and is passionate about creating a supportive and engaging classroom where students can explore science in meaningful ways. She appreciates the welcoming environment at Jenkins and is eager to be part of the close-knit school community.

The middle school also welcomes Mrs. Calista Isaac as its new Social Studies teacher. Beginning her first year of teaching, Mrs. Isaac brings enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the middle school social studies classroom. A graduate of UVA-Wise with experience in student teaching and college admissions, she values the supportive, small-school atmosphere at Jenkins. She looks forward to engaging her students with history and civic life.

The high school also welcomes Olivia Justice as its new English teacher. Ms. Justice is beginning her first year of teaching at Jenkins. Graduating from the University of Pikeville, she is passionate about literature, writing, and fostering student growth. Her goal is to create a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired, all while contributing to Jenkins’ strong sense of community.

We also want to welcome Betty Von Caudill, our new Mathematics Interventionist.
With 33 years of teaching experience and an impressive coaching career, we are excited to have Ms. Betty Von Caudill here to help guide our students to success. Her mission is to help students feel safe, valued, and confident in their abilities while continuing to share her love for both academics and athletics.

Together, these six new teachers represent various disciplines, from Science and Social Studies to English and Special Education to Interventionists. What unites them is their enthusiasm for teaching and their dedication to helping students succeed. With their talents and energy, the newest members of the Cavs family are already leaving their mark on Jenkins.

09/10/2025

A Quiet Start: “Moment of Silence” at Jenkins

The new state policy known as the Moment of Silence has already made an impact at Jenkins Middle High School. Each morning, students and faculty pause for sixty seconds of silence — a brief but meaningful break in the school day.

The purpose is simple: to give everyone a chance to pause, prepare, and reset. For some, it’s a time to pray; for others, it’s a moment to breathe, reflect, or clear their mind before classes begin. Observations around the school show students and teachers using the time in different ways, proving that the policy is flexible and personal.

Jenkins Superintendent Damien Johnson explained that the pause “gives students a moment to prepare, focus, and have a moment to reflect on the day ahead of them,” adding that “what faculty and students choose to do in their time is their right. Sometimes we don’t take the time to do what we should, so it’s a period of time that gives them the time to do that if they so choose.” While the policy is mandated by the state, Johnson openly supports it, pointing out that people rarely take time to stop and reset during busy school days.

Students have also noticed the benefits. Tech Apprentice Christopher Meade shared, “I enjoy it. I think it was much needed. From personal experience I’d say it’s been beneficial, yes. It definitely gives me more time, especially if you forget to pray in the morning, to pray. It’s actually the perfect time to get a quick Hail Mary and Our Father.”

The new state policy, known as the Moment of Silence, has already made an impact at Jenkins Middle High School. Each morning, students and faculty pause for sixty seconds of silence — a brief but meaningful break in the school day.

03/05/2025

💚 ⚔️ Jenkins Wins District in a Thriller Against Knott County

The Jenkins High School Cavaliers have made headlines with their remarkable performance, overcoming a 17-point halftime deficit to defeat Knott County 56-54 in a nail-biting contest that came down to the final moments.

The game started with high energy as the Cavaliers raced to an early lead. However, Knott County quickly turned the tide with a powerful run, leaving the Cavaliers trailing at halftime. Undeterred by the score, the passionate fans of Cav Nation rallied behind the team, and with Coach Lee’s steadfast leadership, the Cavaliers staged an impressive comeback. The game’s climax came when junior Kale Owens sank a crucial three-pointer, sealing the fate of the Knott County crowd and sending their fans home heartbroken.

Sophomore Cam Hayes was the standout performer of the night, earning the title of MVP after an exceptional display, scoring 21 points and leading his team to victory.

This win marks a historic moment for the Cavaliers, as they achieve a program-best record of 26-4, claim their first district title since 1995, and earn a spot in the regional tournament. They will face Powell County this Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.

If the Cavaliers can maintain their impressive momentum, they could secure their first region tournament victory since 1968, continuing a truly magical and historical season!

By: Makeilah Wright, Hope Vanover, and Andrew Newsome

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