• Home
  • About Us
    • About Us - School Safety and Security
      • About Us - School Safety and Security - Submit a Safety Tip via Trojan Tipline
    • About Us - Alumni
    • About Us - Board of Education
    • About Us - Bond Election
    • About Us - JPS Foundation
    • About Us - Meet Our Superintendent
    • About Us - Mission & Goals
    • About Us - Oklahoma School Report Card
    • About Us - Organizational Chart
    • About Us - Staff Directory
    • About Us - Headlines
    • About Us - COVID
  • Schools
    • Schools - East Elementary
      • Schools - East Elementary - Home
      • Schools - East Elementary - Programs & Services
        • Schools - East Elementary - Programs & Services - Dual Language Program
        • Schools - East Elementary - Programs & Services - English Language Development
        • Schools - East Elementary - Programs & Services - Gifted Services
        • Schools - East Elementary - Programs & Services - Poppy Project & Veterans Day
        • Schools - East Elementary - Programs & Services - Speech Services
        • Schools - East Elementary - Programs & Services - Title 1
      • Schools - East Elementary - Back to School
      • Schools - East Elementary - Child Nutrition
        • Schools - East Elementary - Child Nutrition - Free and Reduced Lunch
        • Schools - East Elementary - Child Nutrition - Online Prepayment
      • Schools - East Elementary - Counseling
      • Schools - East Elementary - Curriculum
        • Schools - East Elementary - Curriculum - Essential Elements
        • Schools - East Elementary - Curriculum - Report Card Rubrics
        • Schools - East Elementary - Curriculum - Reading at Home
      • Schools - East Elementary - Media Centers
        • Schools - East Elementary - Media Centers - Online Resources
        • Schools - East Elementary - Media Centers - Media B, Pre-K
        • Schools - East Elementary - Media Centers - Media A, Grades K & 1
        • Schools - East Elementary - Media Centers - Media F, Grade 2
        • Schools - East Elementary - Media Centers - Media D, Grades 3 & 4
      • Schools - East Elementary - Nursing Office
      • Schools - East Elementary - PTA
      • Schools - East Elementary - Volunteer Opportunities
    • Schools - Northwest Elementary
      • Schools - Northwest Elementary - Home
      • Schools - Northwest Elementary - Programs and Services
        • Schools - Northwest Elementary - Programs and Services - English Language Development
        • Schools - Northwest Elementary - Programs and Services - Gifted Services
        • Schools - Northwest Elementary - Programs and Services - Health Services
        • Schools - Northwest Elementary - Programs and Services - Media Center
        • Schools - Northwest Elementary - Programs and Services - STEM Lab
        • Schools - Northwest Elementary - Programs and Services - Title I
      • Schools - Northwest Elementary - Back to School
    • Schools - Southeast Elementary
      • Schools - Southeast Elementary - Home
      • Schools - Southeast Elementary - Important Info
      • Schools - Southeast Elementary - Programs & Services
        • Schools - Southeast Elementary - Programs & Services - Gifted Services
        • Schools - Southeast Elementary - Programs & Services - Health Services
        • Schools - Southeast Elementary - Programs & Services - Reading Enrichment
        • Schools - Southeast Elementary - Programs & Services - Special Education
        • Schools - Southeast Elementary - Programs & Services - Speech & Language Services
      • Schools - Southeast Elementary - Counseling Office
      • Schools - Southeast Elementary - Curriculum Corner
      • Schools - Southeast Elementary - Media Center
      • Schools - Southeast Elementary - PTA
    • Schools - West Elementary
      • Schools - West Elementary - Lair, Suzanne
      • Schools - West Elementary - Home
      • Schools - West Elementary - Counselor's Corner
      • Schools - West Elementary - Grace Living Center
      • Schools - West Elementary - Media Centers
        • Schools - West Elementary - Media Centers - Media A & D, Grades K-2
        • Schools - West Elementary - Media Centers - Media F, Grades 3 & 4
      • Schools - West Elementary - Primary Years Program
      • Schools - West Elementary - Programs & Services
        • Schools - West Elementary - Programs & Services - Health Services
        • Schools - West Elementary - Programs & Services - Multi-Age Classroom
        • Schools - West Elementary - Programs & Services - Title I
      • Schools - West Elementary - PTAG
      • Schools - West Elementary - School Report Card 2018
      • Schools - West Elementary - Tours and Transition Meetings
      • Schools - West Elementary - Volunteers
    • Schools - East Intermediate
      • Schools - East Intermediate - Home
      • Schools - East Intermediate - Programs & Services
        • Schools - East Intermediate - Programs & Services - Dynamic Dads
        • Schools - East Intermediate - Programs & Services - Title I
      • Schools - East Intermediate - Curriculum
      • Schools - East Intermediate - Media Center
        • Schools - East Intermediate - Media Center - Research Links
      • Schools - East Intermediate - Nurses' Office
      • Schools - East Intermediate - PTAG
    • Schools - West Intermediate
      • Schools - West Intermediate - Home
      • Schools - West Intermediate - Programs & Services
        • Schools - West Intermediate - Programs & Services - Healthy & Fit
      • Schools - West Intermediate - Nurse
      • Schools - West Intermediate - Media Center
      • Schools - West Intermediate - PTAG
      • Schools - West Intermediate - Volunteers
    • Schools - Alternative Center
    • Schools - Middle School
      • Schools - Middle School - Home
      • Schools - Middle School - Media Center
      • Schools - Middle School - MATHCOUNTS
    • Schools - Freshman Academy
      • Schools - Freshman Academy - Home
    • Schools - High School
      • Schools - High School - Home
      • Schools - High School - Programs & Services
        • Schools - High School - Programs & Services - Chinese Initiative
      • Schools - High School - Activities
        • Schools - High School - Activities - AISES
        • Schools - High School - Activities - AVID
        • Schools - High School - Activities - BAND
        • Schools - High School - Activities - DECA
        • Schools - High School - Activities - DFY
        • Schools - High School - Activities - JPS Cinema
        • Schools - High School - Activities - Native American Club
        • Schools - High School - Activities - Theatre/Thespian
        • Schools - High School - Activities - Trojan Torch
        • Schools - High School - Activities - Vocal Music
        • Schools - High School - Activities - Yearbook
      • Schools - High School - College & Career Office
      • Schools - High School - General Information
      • Schools - High School - Graduation/Gradfest
      • Schools - High School - Guidance Office
        • Schools - High School - Guidance Office - Graduation Verification
        • Schools - High School - Guidance Office - High School Enrollment
        • Schools - High School - Guidance Office - Transcript Requests
      • Schools - High School - Media Center
      • Schools - High School - Nurse
      • Schools - High School - Parent Resources
        • Schools - High School - Parent Resources - PTAG
      • Schools - High School - Student Resources
        • Schools - High School - Student Resources - AP US History (APUSH)
        • Schools - High School - Student Resources - Distinguished Service Graduate
        • Schools - High School - Student Resources - Jenks FERST
        • Schools - High School - Student Resources - Tulsa Tech Transportation
      • Schools - High School - Teacher Resources
        • Schools - High School - Teacher Resources - Advisory Guidelines
        • Schools - High School - Teacher Resources - Professional Development
      • Schools - High School - Volunteers
  • Trojan Connect - K-12 Virtual Learning Program
  • Calendars
  • Departments
    • Schools - Departments - Business Office
    • Schools - Departments - Child Nutrition
    • Schools - Departments - Communications
      • Schools - Departments - Communications - Annual Report
      • Schools - Departments - Communications - Brand Central
      • Schools - Departments - Communications - Contact Us
      • Schools - Departments - Communications - Flyer & Poster Approval
      • Schools - Departments - Communications - Media Relations
      • Schools - Departments - Communications - Newsletter
      • Schools - Departments - Communications - Open Records
    • Schools - Departments - Community Education
      • Schools - Departments - Community Education - JCE Classes
      • Schools - Departments - Community Education - Child Care Options
      • Schools - Departments - Community Education - Drivers Education
      • Schools - Departments - Community Education - JT Gymnastics
      • Schools - Departments - Community Education - ParaPro Assessment
      • Schools - Departments - Community Education - Summer School
      • Schools - Departments - Community Education - The Trojan Shop
    • Schools - Departments - Construction
    • Schools - Departments - Educational Technology
    • Schools - Departments - Facilities Management
    • Schools - Departments - Health Services
    • Schools - Departments - Jenks Public Schools Police Department
    • Schools - Departments - Printing/Warehousing Services
    • Schools - Departments - Purchasing
      • Schools - Departments - Purchasing - Associations & Contracts
      • Schools - Departments - Purchasing - Department
      • Schools - Departments - Purchasing - Fixed Assests
      • Schools - Departments - Purchasing - Forms
      • Schools - Departments - Purchasing - Purchasing Card
      • Schools - Departments - Purchasing - Vendor Information
    • Schools - Departments - Student Programs
    • Schools - Departments - Transportation
  • Family & Students
    • Schools - Family & Students - Attendance Zones
    • Schools - Family & Students - Bus Routes & Schedules
    • Schools - Family & Students - Enrollment
    • Schools - Family & Students - Handbooks
    • Schools - Family & Students - Powerschool Parent Portal
    • Schools - Family & Students - Pre-Kindergarten
    • Schools - Family & Students - School Safety and Security
    • Schools - Family & Students - Student Support & Accountability
    • Schools - Family & Students - Student Technology
    • Schools - Family & Students - Volunteer Training
  • Activities
    • Schools - Activities - Athletics
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Home
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - AD Staff
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Athlete Participation Requirements
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Athletic Online Forms
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Pre-Participation Examinations
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Drug Testing Information
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Booster Clubs
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Contact Us
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Football Season Tickets
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Schedules/Rank One
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Sports Medicine
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Sports Venues
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Summer Camp
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Team Websites
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Tryouts
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Youth Sports Information
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Baseball
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Basketball
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Cheer
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Cross Country
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Football
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Golf
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - POM
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Swimming
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Soccer
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Softball
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Tennis
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Track & Field
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Volleyball
      • Schools - Activities - Athletics - Wrestling
    • Schools - Activities - Band
    • Schools - Activities - Jenks Aquatic Center
      • Schools - Activities - Jenks Aquatic Center - About the JTAC
      • Schools - Activities - Jenks Aquatic Center - Announcements
      • Schools - Activities - Jenks Aquatic Center - Aquatic Fitness Classes
      • Schools - Activities - Jenks Aquatic Center - Employment Opportunities
      • Schools - Activities - Jenks Aquatic Center - Jenks Trojan Swim Club
      • Schools - Activities - Jenks Aquatic Center - Rentals/Parties
      • Schools - Activities - Jenks Aquatic Center - Swim Lessons
      • Schools - Activities - Jenks Aquatic Center - Trojan Swim Shop
      • Schools - Activities - Jenks Aquatic Center - Tulsa Masters Swim Club
    • Schools - Activities - Planetarium
    • Schools - Activities - School Sponsored Clubs & Organizations
    • Schools - Activities - Vocal Music
  • Staff
    • Schools - Staff - Classroom Grants
    • Schools - Staff - Employee Perks
    • Schools - Staff - Human Resources
      • Schools - Staff - Human Resources - Welcome to HR
      • Schools - Staff - Human Resources - Careers
      • Schools - Staff - Human Resources - Why Work at JPS?
      • Schools - Staff - Human Resources - JPS Employee Referral Program
      • Schools - Staff - Human Resources - Employment Notices
      • Schools - Staff - Human Resources - Internal Application for Current JPS Employees
      • Schools - Staff - Human Resources - Employee Resources
      • Schools - Staff - Human Resources - Teacher and Leader Effectiveness (TLE)
      • Schools - Staff - Human Resources - Handbooks & Agreements
    • Schools - Staff - Instructional Ideas
      • Schools - Staff - Instructional Ideas - Integrating Technology
      • Schools - Staff - Instructional Ideas - Lessons Using Quality Tools
    • Schools - Staff - Insurance/Benefits
    • Schools - Staff - IVisions Employee Portal
    • Schools - Staff - Payroll
    • Schools - Staff - Policies & Handbooks
    • Schools - Staff - Professional Development
      • Schools - Staff - Professional Development - Eighth Floor
      • Schools - Staff - Professional Development - Microsoft Quick References
      • Schools - Staff - Professional Development - Online Research
      • Schools - Staff - Professional Development - PD Resources
      • Schools - Staff - Professional Development - Professional Dev. Team
      • Schools - Staff - Professional Development - Registration System
      • Schools - Staff - Professional Development - Smart Board Resources
    • Schools - Staff - Staff Resources
    • Schools - Staff - Substitute Office
  • Careers
    • Schools - Careers - Our Community
  • Teaching & Learning
  • Programs
    • Schools - Programs - Assistance Program
    • Schools - Programs - English Language Development
    • Schools - Programs - Gifted Services
    • Schools - Programs - Health Services
    • Schools - Programs - Native American Education
    • Schools - Programs - Special Education
    • Schools - Programs - Volunteer Program
  • Health Curriculum
  • Contact Us
Quick Links
Skip to main contentSkip to navigation
Main Navigation
Menu
Toggle extra links
  • Quicklinks
    • New to JPS? Get Your Questions Answered
    • Apply for Free & Reduced Lunch
    • Athletic Forms
    • Attendance Zones
    • Bus Stop Information
    • Calendars
    • Chromebooks & Canvas
    • ClassLink
    • Contact Us
    • Enrollment Center
    • InTouch - Payment Center
    • Monthly Menus
    • School Safety and Security
    • Transcript Requests/Graduation Verification
    • Trojan Connect - K-12 Virtual Learning Program
  • Schools
    • East Elementary
    • Northwest Elementary
    • Southeast Elementary
    • West Elementary
    • East Intermediate
    • West intermediate
    • Alternative Center
    • Middle School
    • Freshman Academy
    • High School
    • Current conditions as of 12 Apr 22:53 pm CDT

      Overcast

      Location:Jenks
      Feels like:NA°
      Humidity:42
      Wind:N 12 mph
      Overcast60°
      Tonight
      Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
      Tuesday
      Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
      Tuesday Night
      A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 45. Northeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
      Weather forecast provided by weather.gov.

Jenks Public Schools

Return to homeJenks Public Schools Logo
Alumni
  1. Home Link
  2. breadcrumbs: About Us
  3. breadcrumbs: Alumni

Website Navigation   As Staff Page Only

Set as Default Template Help

 

HTML Editor:

Your session will expire in 0 minutes.

Feature & Share

Working...

Ajax Loading Image

 

Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads

Sharon Phillips - FOX23 News Reporter

Sharon Phillips represented the Trojans in track and cheer.
Sharon Phillips represented the Trojans in track and cheer.Launch the media gallery 1 player
Sharon Phillips represented the Trojans in track and cheer.

Each week throughout the 2016-17 school year, the new Where Are They Now? series will feature a Q&A with a notable Jenks graduate. In these profiles, Jenks’ alums from all over the country, from multiple generations, and from a wide array of career paths, will share how their Jenks education set them up for success and how they have become leaders in their industry and community.

Sometimes one class or one teacher can set a course for a student’s future. Sharon Phillips, class of 1995, had her life changed during her senior year of high school when she realized she wanted to tell stories for a living. In 12 years as a member of the Oklahoma media – both in print and television – Phillips has covered everything from education, courts, and crime to devastating weather events like the Moore tornado, and President Obama’s visit to Oklahoma. Since 2008, Phillips has been a reporter at FOX23 News where she contributed to the Emmy award-winning morning show and was part of the team that won an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2014. She and her husband Bobby, an officer with the Bixby Police Department and a member of the Southwest Area Tactical SWAT team, shared a dream to become parents and on June 2, 2014, their beautiful daughter Aerilyn was born. Being a mother to her miracle baby is a dream come true for Phillips.

Sharon Phillips posing with the Jenks Trojan cheerleading squad.What are your fondest memories of attending Jenks High School?
Phillips: My fondest memories of attending Jenks High School are the friendships that I made while I was a student there, and the opportunities to be a cheerleader and part of the track team. Jenks is known for its incredible athletes and sports teams, and I am proud to be a part of that.

Was there one particular teacher or principal who inspired you or made a lasting impact in your life?
Phillips: The first day of my freshman year I barely knew a soul at Jenks. I was timid and shy and didn’t have a friend in the world. I sat down in the area in front of the Frank Herald Gym to eat my lunch alone, when Principal Bill Risenhoover came over to me. He sat down next to me and made me feel at home in such a big, new place. I will never forget his kindness that day or the way he made me feel as a new student in a large school district.

How did your time at Jenks High School effectively prepare you for college and career?
Phillips: Being a student at Jenks High School prepared me to be outgoing and to be a go-getter in my job. I took a broadcast class taught by Mrs. Quinn when I was a senior and I knew right away that I wanted to be a journalist and tell people’s stories. That class gave me direction for my future and really got me excited for a news career. I owe my career choice to Mrs. Quinn and that class she taught at Jenks High School.

What does it mean to you to be able to cover news and tell stories in your home state?
Phillips: I am so honored to be able to cover the news and tell the stories of people here in Oklahoma and especially my hometown of Tulsa. Most journalists don’t get the opportunity to work in a market where they grew up, and I am so thankful to be a part of a news team in my home state.

Is there one story or event you’ve covered that is particularly memorable for you?
Phillips: I recently covered the story of a boy who found out he was cancer free. His mother took a video of herself telling him that he no longer had cancer, and the video went viral. I got to meet him and his mother and tell their story to our viewers on FOX23 News. It was an incredible moment to be a part of that and his life story.

What qualities/characteristics does it take to be a successful reporter?Sharon Phillips has been reporting the news at FOX23 since 2008.
Phillips: Working out in the field in unusual weather conditions and under strict deadlines can be difficult at times. We are often called to be in multiple shows and to turn several stories in one day. To be a good reporter, you have to be flexible, calm under pressure, and be relatable to the viewer. Credibility is everything so it is vital that you always have your facts correct and tell both sides of the story. If you can be active while speaking, that also makes for good television. Viewers like to really be a part of the story, so if you can show them what happened in a demonstrative way, it can be really compelling.

Do you have aspirations to work in a larger market or do you hope to stay in Tulsa as long as possible?
Phillips: Before I got married and had my daughter, I wanted to work in a larger market. Even though Tulsa is my hometown, it’s every journalist’s dream to move up and get better at your craft. Now that I am married and a mother, I am thankful to be here in Tulsa and report in the community that I love.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Phillips: One of the most challenging aspects of my job is coming up with several story ideas each day that can lead a newscast. We have a large number of reporters at our station who all turn two stories a day, so finding a story that hasn’t been done before or is not already assigned to someone else can be challenging. Also, working in all types of weather conditions can be difficult and dealing with technology can be tricky at times as well. The most rewarding part of my job is telling stories that help people and make a difference. When we do stories about missing children that are found alive, or stolen property that ends up getting returned, those stories bring me a lot of joy and make doing this job worthwhile.

Where do you see yourself in the future both personally and professionally?
Phillips: I would love to eventually anchor the news someday. I love being out in the field, but I strive to be better and to become an anchor would be a dream come true. Personally, I love being a mother to my daughter, Aerilyn. She is my greatest joy and my biggest achievement. I would love to have more children and grow our little family to four.

Sharon pictured with her daughter, Aerilyn, and husband, Bobby.

 

Share via email
Headlines dropdown toggle
More Headlines
Where Are They Now? - Maj. Jacob Fuchs (USAF)
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? Q&A With Notable Jenks' Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Where Are They Now? - Q&A's With Notable Jenks Grads
Jenks High School Alumni
Follow @jenksps
Tweets by jenksps
Instagram
Follow @jenksps
Jenks Public Schools
Jenks Alumni
Jenks Employment
Jenks Foundation
School Safety and Security
Jenks Public Schools205 East B StreetJenks, OK  74037PH: 918-299-4415
peachjar icontwitter iconinstagram iconlinkedin iconfacebook icon
SOCS-Simplified Online Communication System  (socs01)© 2021 Jenks Public SchoolsAccessibilityNon-DiscriminationPrivacy Pledge
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
jenksps.socs.net