Oklahoma Institute for Diversity in Journalism

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OIDJ Editor - page 29

OIDJ Editor has 297 articles published.

Bringing an end to animal shelter killing

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by Dyneisha Kornegay Every day, thousands of adoptable animals are euthanized in shelters throughout the U.S. Historically, animals have been euthanized when they are healthy and adoptable. Given patience and time, these animals would eventually be adopted. Luckily, some animals get to live in no-kill shelters. Though not able to happen within the snap of our fingers, more no-kill shelters can be possible. Francis Battista has become a key thought leader in the no-kill movement. His animal sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, is the largest no-kill shelter for companion animals in the U.S. An article on Forbes.com states, “Best Friends Animal…

‘Locavores’ flock to Norman Farm Market

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by Jordan Evans When Bucky Gibson worked in the Wal-Mart loading docks, he noticed that food crates sat for days until the produce wasn’t fresh. He began to realize consumers had better options than buying food from chain supermarkets. Now the owner of a two-acre farm, Gibson controls not only how fast the products make it to consumers but also how the fruit and vegetables are grown. He runs the farm with the help of his mother, who has grown produce for years. Together, they are able to provide fresher, more natural food, which he sells at area farmers markets.…

’13 Storms left animals homeless

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  by Caitlyn Minton On a 10-acre plot with plenty of grass, sunshine and a small pond to drink from, Amy the donkey is living well a year after she was caught in the May 2013 tornado outbreak in Oklahoma. The storms left not only humans but also pets and livestock homeless. Thousands of cattle, at least 300 horses, nearly 25 goats and one llama died from the tornados or their injuries, said Zoe Midyett, owner and operator of Red Dirt Tack and Feed of Edmond. About 45 horses, donkeys and mules found their way to Equine Medical Associates (EMA)…

Speaking through art

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by Micah Roberts On Tuesday mornings, the focus at the Fred Jones Junior Museum of Art shifts from looking at art to creating it. On those mornings, the museum hosts Art Adventures, a program that introduces children ages 2-5 to art projects and theories. This free year-round program serves about 25 children and adults each week, according to program administrator Karen McWilliams. Attraction to art helps kids turn into more artistically talented individuals, McWilliams said. She said children learn that museums are not scary, but are places that give people a sense of beauty and history. McWilliams said she wants…

Destiny Washington

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by Micah Roberts Destiny Washington is inspired by her uncle’s success as an award-winning television executive producer and director. Rayce Denton won an Emmy producing BET TV reality shows, including College Hill and DMX: Soul of a Man. Washington wants to be as successful as Denton, but as a journalist. The 17-year-old senior at Classen School of Advanced Studies in Oklahoma City wants toattend the University of Southern California. “I want to do some kind of media broadcasting because knowing things interests me,” Washington said. As a high school junior, she participated in The Oklahoman’s Newsroom 101 for student journalists.…

Lauren Szmutko

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by Chase Bryer Growing up, Lauren Szmutko had a passion for fashion like the main character in her favorite book, “The Devil Wears Prada.” But as Szmutko grew older, she realized she had a passion for journalism. The 15-year-old sophomore at Bartlesville High School is active with the school newspaper, student council, National Honor Society, band, Spanish club and high school leadership club. Her favorite subject is English because it goes hand-in-hand with the art of journalism. Szmutko thinks her age sets her apart at OIDJ. “Coming into OIDJ [as the youngest], I was a little bit nervous at first,”…

Destiny Smith

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 by Maria Chaves Being only 16 years old, Destiny Danay Smith conveys a sincere pop culture ideology and philosophy that can only be summed up in one phrase: “Don’t worry, be happy.” Always one to flash a smile, the warmth that Smith radiates to others is not something taught in a classroom but is learned from years of self-reliance. Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Smith has lived in four houses and has been able to call them all her home. “We usually got sick of the places that we lived in, but moving was always comfortable since I was…

Ronnie Rhodes

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by Richelle Hallows  At the end of the eighth grade, Ronnie Rhodes had to choose between re-joining the high school yearbook staff, where he would lose his title as editor-in-chief, or to leave yearbook behind. “I was pretty timid and shy in middle school, and I just wondered if I could handle going out and interviewing people, but my teacher, my mentor, really inspired me to continue doing yearbook,” he said. Rhodes was born in Lawton, Okla., where he lives with his mom, dad and older sister. He attended Tomlinson Middle School and will be a junior at Lawton High…

Caitlyn Minton

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by Ashley Cooks When Caitlyn Minton was younger, she wanted to become a mermaid. After discussing that with her parents, she realized that she should turn to her second love — photography. Minton wants to shoot for National Geographic magazine. “I grew up with taking pictures, so becoming a photographer came naturally,” Minton said. Minton, 18, graduated from Kingfisher High School in May. She said she received many scholarships for her interest in agriculture because she was a member of the Future Farmers of America club in school. Minton plans to attend Oklahoma State University this fall and major in…

Dyneisha Kornegay

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by Jordan Evans When Dyneisha Kornegay enrolled for her freshman year, she checked the box for yearbook, never imagining herself as a writer. Now entering her senior year, Kornegay describes writing as the crutch that gets her through high school. When the Lawton High School journalism adviser instead enrolled Kornegay in newspaper, Kornegay said she was unsure about the decision. Once the first paper was printed, she realized she genuinely enjoyed writing. Kornegay has been editor of the LHS newspaper, Tatler Vibes, since her sophomore year.  One of the biggest obstacles she admits to facing as editor is acting more…

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