J-Town Journal

J-Town Journal Jenkins Independent Schools news written by Jenkins students. Find us in Letcher County’s News-Press!

11/20/2025

UPDATE on JMHS Can Food Drive

As of November 18, 2025, Jenkins Middle High School is continuing to raise cans for the Bible club's food drive at a rapid pace. This event was originally scheduled to end on November 14, but due to its success, the Bible club decided to extend it until November 21. This is so we have a better chance at reaching our goal! The goal for the collections/donations is 1,067 cans. The teachers have come together, collecting and counting the number of cans their designated grade has brought in, and tallying them up to find an overall total.

Out of the goal, we have raised approximately 920 cans so far. Even though this event is soon to come to an end, there is still high hope that we can reach our goal. We are only around 150 cans away from reaching our goal, and with everyone's help, we soon will be able to! By Friday, we should be able to reach our goal and donate to ICAN and Mrs. Angie, helping to make people's days much better. As a reminder, the grade that brings in the most cans will receive a pizza party during RTI, which is the 30-minute period between high school lunch and 5th period.

Update on the competition and the number of cans each grade has brought in. As of November 18th, there is a tie between freshmen and seniors:

6th grade- 71 cans
7th grade- 128 cans
8th grade- 91 cans
9th grade- 204 cans *
10th grade- 57 cans
11th grade- 165 cans
12th grade- 204 cans *

11/17/2025

Dream Big, Plan Bigger: Jenkins College Fair

This Tuesday, November 18th, Jenkins Middle High School will be hosting a College Fair from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the gym, giving students a chance to explore their options for life after high school. Colleges from all over will set up tables with representatives ready to answer questions and share information about programs, majors, campus life, and future career paths.

This event is a great opportunity for students to get a clearer idea of what they want to do after graduation. Representatives will be there to talk about important topics such as tuition costs, financial aid, scholarships, required credits, class hours, and admission requirements.

Students can also receive guidance on selecting the right major or determining whether a four-year college, community college, or trade program is the best fit for them.

Students can walk around, read the pamphlets, and ask as many questions as they need. This college fair is a fun way for students to learn about different colleges and start planning out their futures. Even if you’re not sure what you want to do yet, the fair can be a good chance to explore possibilities you might not have considered before.

Whether you already know your dream school or you’re still figuring things out, the college fair can help you take the next step in figuring out your future! 🎓

Keira Stanley & Kiley Bevins

11/17/2025

Jenkins Middle High School Robotics: Turning the Gears of Success

On November 7th, 2025, Jenkins High School’s Robotics Team achieved an outstanding performance at a recent competition held in Morehead, Kentucky. The team went undefeated, winning all five of their matches. Due to their diligence and hard work, the team ranked first place in the East League and second place in the entire State of Kentucky.

Jenkins High School’s Robotics Team has been competing at the state level for a short time, but they have quickly established themselves as a top-tier force. JMHS attributes the team’s success to the students’ enthusiasm, their programming genius, Trey Johnson, and their strategic thinking skills. Congratulations are extended to the students and coaches in regards to this outstanding success. The future of STEM at Jenkins Middle High School appears to be bright, with more victories anticipated.

Tila Collins & Isaiah Eldridge

Jenkins Independent Schools Honor thier VeteransJenkins Independent Schools celebrated Veterans Day on Friday, November ...
11/17/2025

Jenkins Independent Schools Honor thier Veterans

Jenkins Independent Schools celebrated Veterans Day on Friday, November 14, with a heartfelt program recognizing the men and women who have served our country. Students from Burdine Elementary, Jenkins Middle School, and Jenkins High School delivered prepared speeches and performances to express their gratitude

As an emotional tribute to the ones who are still missing or have fallen in combat, the program featured the solemn “Missing Man Table,” or “Fallen Comrade Table.” This table was a symbolic display honoring service members who are missing, fallen, or imprisoned, but not forgotten in the hearts of their loved ones. Each item on the table served as a reminder of their courage, their absence, and the enduring hope for their return.

This event brought the school community together in gratitude and remembrance of the ones who make all of this possible.

Mylee Miller & Peyton Wilder

11/06/2025

CAN’T Never Could: Help Battle Hunger

This past Monday, November 3, 2025, the Jenkins Middle High School Bible Club began sponsoring its canned food drive. This event will be hosted until November 14th, 2025. The goal for collections/donations is 1,067 cans. Teachers will be acting as drop-off points for each class. Information regarding which teachers host collection points for each class can be found below. Each of these teachers has volunteered to be a drop-off area, as well as coaches/sponsors/cheerleaders for each grade level.

High School
Seniors: Ms. Alandra Baker
Juniors: Mr. Clay Johnson
The winning class will receive a pizza party during RTI, the 30-minute period between high school lunch and 5th period. Jenkins Middle High School’s staff encourages students to make as many donations as they possibly CAN, as this canned food drive is a significant contribution to society and can be an excellent form of community service. Holidays can be stressful and a difficult time for many families and students. Help Jenkins make a difference, every can counts.
Freshman: Ms. Hubbard

Middle School
8th grade: Ms. DeBarge & Ms. Isaac
7th grade: Ms. Stewart & Ms. Fields
6th grade: Ms. Casebolt

The winning class will receive a pizza party during RTI, the 30 minute period between high school lunch and 5th period. Jenkins Middle High School’s staff encourages students to make as many donations as they possibly CAN, as this canned food drive is a significant contribution to society and can be an excellent form of community service. Holidays can be stressful and a difficult time for many families and students. Help Jenkins make a difference, every can counts.

Tila Collins & Isaiah Eldridge

11/06/2025

Cash Express Spreads Holiday Cheer with Christmas Pizza Party

Cash Express in Whitesburg is bringing holiday joy to the community once again with its annual Christmas Pizza Party and donation drive. This year, the local business is partnering with the Seventh Sons to collect toys, coats, and non-perishable food items to help bless children and families in need.

The event gives everyone the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else during the Christmas season. Cash Express will accept both new and gently used toys and coats, along with canned or packaged food items. Donations will go toward helping local children have a brighter and warmer holiday.

All donations must be received by December 5th to ensure they are delivered in time for Christmas. To make things even more exciting, the class that collects the most donations will be rewarded with a pizza party provided by Cash Express.
Community members are encouraged to join in by donating and spreading the word. Every item collected will make a difference for local families this holiday season.

Cash Express is located at 31 Hazard Road, Whitesburg, KY 41858, and can be reached at 606-633-7734 for more information.

Thank you to everyone supporting this important effort to bless the community — and remember, restrictions apply!

Kiley Bevins & Keira Stanley

Celebrating Principal Marvin Boggs: A Leader Who Makes Jenkins Feel Like HomeAt Jenkins Middle High School, Principal Ma...
10/28/2025

Celebrating Principal Marvin Boggs: A Leader Who Makes Jenkins Feel Like Home

At Jenkins Middle High School, Principal Marvin Boggs has made a lasting impact since stepping into his role two years ago. Known for his dedication, kindness, and genuine care for both students and staff, Mr. Boggs has become more than just an administrator—he’s a mentor, a supporter, and a friend to many.

“The students and the staff here always reach out and do everything they can,” said Mr. Boggs. “Being a principal is a busy job, but the staff always picks up and offers to help. The students always seem to have great attitudes, which makes you feel good and helps you get through the day. Just this week one of the middle school classes had all their students write letters, which made me smile and kinda tear up too.”

Students and staff alike share their appreciation for his leadership. Isaiah Eldridge noted, “He is very understanding. When I talk to him, he doesn’t rush me, and I can tell he wants to help me.” Trey Johnson added, “Mr. Boggs is a great principal and always supports his teachers and staff members very well. He’s also a great man inside and outside of the classroom. He sings for lots of local churches and is very good at that.”

Teachers feel his support, too. Clay Johnson shared, “There’s never been a moment where I haven’t felt supported by Mr. Boggs. He has been a pillar in why Jenkins has been such an important destination for me in my career and life. He’s a big reason this place feels like home.”

Students like Emily Chaffins and Alexis Hammonds echoed those sentiments. “Mr. Boggs helps people during hard times,” said Chaffins, while Hammonds added, “Mr. Boggs is someone you can go to when you need something, and he’ll always try to do what he can for you. He keeps students in line and prioritizes his students and staff every day.”

Perhaps Carter Bevins summed it up best with just three words: “He has integrity.”

As Jenkins Middle High celebrates Principal Appreciation, one thing is clear—Mr. Boggs has built more than just a school community. He’s built a family.

10/28/2025

🎃👻 Spooky Season Alert!

Get ready for some frightfully fun festivities as Burdine Elementary and Jenkins Middle High School team up for an epic Trunk or Treat celebration! 🍬

If you are present 12 out of the 13 days of our Halloween dress-up countdown, you will be rewarded with an exciting day filled with food, fun, and spooky spirit! This special event is our way of celebrating everyone’s awesome attendance and school spirit during our 13 Days of Halloween.

Everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their best Halloween costumes, from creepy to creative, and enjoy an afternoon packed with tricks, treats, games, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. 🕸️

So do not ghost us! Make sure you are here, show off your costume, and join us for a hauntingly good time at Trunk or Treat! 🦇🍭

10/28/2025

Answering the Call: Jenkins Team Buzzes Back After Two Decades

On October 20, the Jenkins High School Academic Team competed in its first high school Quick Recall scrimmage in more than 20 years. The event took place at Belfry High School, where the team played three exciting matches.

Jenkins started strong, defeating Pike Central’s B team with confidence and enthusiasm. They carried that momentum into the second match, dominating Pike Central’s A team in an impressive performance. In the third and final round, Jenkins faced Phelps and saw their winning streak come to an end, but the team remained proud of their two hard-earned victories.

The Jenkins Academic Team is composed of seven members, led by team captain Landon Thacker. The roster includes mostly freshmen, along with two juniors who bring experience and leadership to the group:

Haley Cook – Junior

Kiley Bevins – Junior

Carter Bevins

Cole Lucas

Morgan Profitt

Samuel Whitaker

With a strong start to the season and a dedicated group of students, the Jenkins Academic Team looks forward to building on its success and continuing to grow throughout the year. Their next event will be the JV Challenge on November 1, where they’ll once again put their knowledge and teamwork to the test.

10/22/2025

🐾 J-Town Gives Back: Supporting Our Local Animal Shelters! 🐾

The Gear Up Club here at Jenkins Middle High School is coming together to make a difference. Not just in our school, but in our community as well. Gear Up recently launched a fundraiser to collect money and supplies for both the Wise and Pike County Animal Shelters.

Mr. Meeks, our school’s Gear Up coordinator, shared his excitement about the project: “I’m all for it. We decided, as a club, that we wanted to raise money and supplies for the Wise County Animal Shelter and the Pike County Animal Shelter. When we get this one done, we’re going to do another one. Plus, we’re actually going to help out some of our local ladies that take care of our animals, too.”

The fundraiser not only helps provide food, bedding, and medical care for animals in need but also spreads awareness about the importance of animal rescue and adoption. Students are encouraged to bring in donations or contribute in any way they can to support this meaningful cause.

This effort reflects what J-Town is all about: compassion, community, and teamwork. Together, we can help make a big difference for our furry friends in need! 💚🐾

Peyton Wilder & Mylee Miller

10/22/2025

Midway Magic: The 13 Days to Halloween at JMHS Are Heating Up!

It’s spooky season at Jenkins Middle High School, and the 13 Days to Halloween are already halfway through! Starting October 14th, JMHS students have been showing off their creativity with a different theme each day. From “Rhyme Without Reason Wednesday” to “Billy Madison Monday,” the fun has been building every step of the way.

So far, we’ve seen everything from unique ties on “Tie Tuesday” to witches' hats on "Wizard and Witches Wednesday.” Students even rocked “Anything But a Backpack Day,” carrying their supplies in all kinds of creative ways. Teachers have joined the fun too, especially on “Trick-or-Teacher Tuesday,” where students and teachers swapped looks.

There’s still time to join in and earn a spot at the special reward party—students who attend 12 out of the 13 days will be invited! It’s a great way to encourage good attendance while celebrating the lead-up to Halloween.

Looking ahead, Friday, October 31st, will be the epic “Dress Up Day & Fright Feast.” Everyone is encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes for a day packed with food, fun, and spooky spirit.

Cavaliers, keep planning those awesome outfits! Whether funny, scary, or creative, let’s make the second half of the 13 Days to Halloween the spookiest and most memorable yet! 🎃

Keira Stanley & Kiley Bevins

Jenkins Boys’ Basketball Prepares for the 2025–26 SeasonThe sound of sneakers squeaking and basketballs echoing through ...
10/16/2025

Jenkins Boys’ Basketball Prepares for the 2025–26 Season

The sound of sneakers squeaking and basketballs echoing through the gym signals one thing—basketball season is back at Jenkins. The Cavaliers boys’ basketball team officially kicked off tryouts this week, marking the start of preparation for the 2025–26 season. With their first exhibition game scheduled for November 15 at home, the Cavs are ready to launch a new year of competition and growth.

The start of tryouts marks the beginning of months of dedication, teamwork, and determination. Each season brings fresh energy and new faces, and this year is no different. Returning players aim to build on last year’s progress, while younger athletes look forward to stepping into key roles and continuing the program’s upward momentum.

Fans can expect competitive matchups, strong effort, and the familiar excitement that fills the gym every winter. As the Cavs prepare for their home exhibition and the challenges ahead, anticipation is already building throughout the Jenkins community. The 2025–26 season is set to showcase the hard work and dedication that define Jenkins athletics, both on and off the court.

Peyton WIlder & Mylee Miller

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269 Highway 3086
Jenkins, KY
41537

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