Reporter

Make the Climb. Leadership Oklahoma, a statewide leadership program, is now accepting applications for its 2012 Youth Leadership Oklahoma (YLOK) class to be held June 10-15, 2012. Applicants must be high school juniors or home schooled equivalent with at least a 3.25 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Youth Leadership Oklahoma accepts 50 class members each year. The program includes a weeklong journey across the state with purpose to introduce high school students between their junior and senior years to state leaders, issues, resources and cultural treasures of Oklahoma.

Criteria for selection includes demonstrated leadership ability in activities such as student council, athletics and service clubs in their schools and communities as well as an exhibited commitment to community service and extra-curricular activities. Participants are also considered on the basis of geographic, racial and cultural diversity.

Applications may be downloaded at leadershipoklahoma.com or requested by calling 405-848-0001. Completed applications must be received in the Leadership Oklahoma office, located at 5500 N. Western, Suite 142, Oklahoma City, OK 73118, no later than 5pm on Thursday, Dec. 1.

From the Ashes. The deconstruction process of the three remaining turrets atop Benedictine Hall at St. Gregory's University began last week. Contractors have started to prepare the historic building for the work, and a large crane arrived Nov. 16 and began the process of removing the turrets, piece by piece.

The deconstruction process will include disassembling the damaged turrets from the top, with an emphasis on preserving as much of the brick and masonry as possible for future restoration efforts. Once the turrets have been removed, a temporary cap will be placed over each of them.

St. Gregory's Brother George Hubl, O.S.B.

Benedictine Hall was damaged as an apparent result of a 5.6-magnitude earthquake that struck central Oklahoma on Nov. 5. One of the turrets on top of the building collapsed and the three others were severely damaged. The building remains closed until it can be safely reoccupied. Daytime classes resumed Nov. 8 in various locations on campus. Administrative offices also were relocated to various campus locations.

A capital campaign has been organized to support the restoration of Benedictine Hall. The university has received an outpouring of concern from friends and alumni from across the country after widespread national media coverage. While costs are expected to be significant, the exact financial impact won't be known for at least a few weeks. To contribute to the fund, visit stgregorys.edu and click on the "Donate Now" button.

Trike Treatment. From now through Dec. 1, Tulsans can make a donation to Bikes for Tykes of Tulsa and help a child realize the joy of owning a bicycle this holiday season.

Bikes for Tykes is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing bicycles and helmets to deserving children in the Tulsa area. The organization purchases and assembles new bicycles and provides them to organizations throughout the Tulsa area. Safe Kids Tulsa Area will donate a helmet for each bicycle.

During this year's fundraiser, Bikes for Tykes hopes to raise enough funds to provide 100 bicycles for clients of Family and Children's Services (F&CS). This is the group's fourth year to provide donations to F&CS.

Last year, F&CS therapists helped 5,700 children and their families recover from child abuse and other trauma. F&CS also provides children's mental health care, counseling, and family preservation and support services which positively impact the lives of thousands of other children in the Tulsa area.

Donors to Bikes for Tykes during this fundraiser will be entered into a drawing to win a weekend getaway to Lake Tenkiller, which includes a two-night stay at BlueWater Ridge provided by Sundown Cabin, a four-hour pontoon boat rental courtesy of Pine Cove Marina and a food gift certificate from Soda Steve's at Fin and Feather Resort. The winner will be announced Monday, Dec. 5.

Tulsans can give online at bftok.org.

Pub Hub. Tulsa City-County Library (TCCL) launched Tulsa's newest free publication, Tulsa Book Review, in November. Filled with reviews from 40 different book genre categories, Tulsa Book Review features new releases available for TCCL customers to checkout or purchase from their bookstore. The publication also highlights a variety of free library programs and services that are available to the public.

Available to the public at all TCCL locations and throughout Tulsa County, Tulsa Book Review has QR codes for smartphones next to each category that will take readers to TCCL's "NextReads" section of the library's website. Once there, customers can sign up to receive "NextReads" book suggestions via email based on their reading interests.

For more information on the Tulsa Book Review, call 918-549-READ, or visit tulsalibrary.org.

Becoming the Teacher. Civil Engineering Technology instructor Jennifer Butler recently received the 2011 Oklahoma State University /A&M Regents Distinguished Teaching Award for Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Mike Taylor, Engineering Technologies Division Chair, nominated Jennifer because of her "greatest attribute -- her love of students. Jennifer brings not only an advanced degree in civil engineering, but a number of years of industry experience to her position as an instructor. She is always extremely prepared for her teaching role every day."

Jennifer Butler

Butler attended Oklahoma State University-Stillwater and earned a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering in 2001 and a Master's degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structures in 2002.

Butler adds that the things she learned in the working world are what she is teaching to students in the Capstone class. "I think it is benefiting the students to learn that extra step and that will benefit the industry when these students go to work."

In January of this year, Jennifer was accepted to go on a Study Abroad trip to Costa Rica to take solar powered electricity to isolated villagers in the jungle. It was a program funded by a federal grant that was provided to the Madison Area Technical College. Jennifer lives in Tulsa with her husband, Kenneth. She is from Duncan, Oklahoma.

Green Guys. Tulsa Memorial High School's dedication to the environment received recognition on Nov. 15 at the M.e.t.'s America Recycles Day Banquet, an event honoring Oklahomans who show extraordinary commitment to recycling.

The school's environmental program, spearheaded by John Beasley, is responsible for thousands of volunteer hours at recycling and sustainability events throughout the year. Tulsa Memorial High School students work intensively with Tulsa Master Recyclers, Blue Thumb, The M.e.t., Up With Trees, Tulsa County Conservation District, Sustainable Tulsa, and Rebuilding Tulsa Together on sustainable projects. Two-hundred volunteer hours were contributed to the Tulsa State Fair's recycling efforts alone.