CHICKASHA —
"This man has been within a half mile of a tornado in a helicopter … and survived!" Jay Edelen, principal of Pioneer School announced to a gym full of students.
"Oklahoma's Own" Jim Gardner, pilot for SkyNews9 approached and took the microphone as the Star Wars theme song played in the background.
Gardener was the special guest at a weekly ritual that Pioneer School calls "Rise n' Shine." During the assembly, the school creed is read and announcements are made for the week.
The word of the day was "perseverance," which was appropriate for Gardner's visit.
Gardner told the students to persevere in their pursuit of their dreams.
Flying a helicopter didn't come naturally to Gardner, he told the students. He said it took about three times longer than average for him to get it, but he kept trying.
"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something," Gardner said.
He advised the students to learn everything they could about computers, and said that even his helicopter's engine starts via computers.
Gardner commended the school and faculty for the Rise n' Shine assembly, which features upbeat music, beloved class mantras and recognition of students who have done well during the week.
"Support your teachers, support your faculty because I never had this much fun in school."
In addition to chasing tornadoes, Gardner has also known a few celebrities.
"How many of you remember OJ Simpson? I got to chase him around L.A. in a helicopter one day."
Homepage
Related Photos
-
Channel 9 helicopter reporter Jim Gardner came to Chickasha High School yesterday during the weekly "Rise n' Shine" assembly to discuss his job with the students. JESSICA LANE / EXPRESS-STAR
Discussion
October 9, 2012
'Rise n' Shine' honors local tv personality
- Top News
-
-
Man arrested after allegedly abusing emergency system
Chickasha police apprehended Chickasha resident Harry Edward Foster for using 911 to make a false alarm on June 18 at the 600 block of North Seventh Street.
Continued ... - Five pitchers see Chicks past Indians
- Man arrested for assault with truck
-
Man arrested after allegedly abusing emergency system
- Local News
-
-
Man arrested after allegedly abusing emergency system
Chickasha police apprehended Chickasha resident Harry Edward Foster for using 911 to make a false alarm on June 18 at the 600 block of North Seventh Street.
Continued ... - Man arrested for assault with truck
- Tuttle could shed title as largest city in America without cable
-
Man arrested after allegedly abusing emergency system
- Sports
- Opinion
- Around the Area
- SCOOP
-
-
New research suggests that fracking is not a significant cause of earthquakes that can be felt on the surface
UK scientists looked at quakes caused by human activity ranging from mining to oil drilling; only three could be attributed to hydraulic fracturing.
Continued ... - Turner Oil leases 4,000 acres around Lake Chickasha
-
New research suggests that fracking is not a significant cause of earthquakes that can be felt on the surface
