George W. Jenkins High School

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George W. Jenkins High School serves Lakeland, FL, a city with a population of 91,000 and a surrounding community of more than 565,000. [1] The school, more commonly known to its students as "George Jenkins" or "Jenkins," is part of the Polk County School system. It was founded in 1993 and named after Publix founder George W. Jenkins. The $25 million dollar campus sits on ninety-five acres in the southeast corner of Lakeland. The school's mission statement is to "provide quality education for every student in a challenging and caring atmosphere through dedication to educational excellence and commitment to the community." [2]

The school mascot is the Eagle and its colors are green and gold. The school has received the "Five Star School" award from the Florida Commissioner of Education for 1995-1996, 1996-1997, and 1997-1998.^{[citation needed]} The award recognized schools with exemplary community involvement, which is made possible by the more than 30 organizations through which its students can volunteer to help the local community.

Contents 1 Students/faculty 2 Athletics 3 Notable alumni 4 Administration

[edit] Students/faculty

George Jenkins has 2,293 students and 123 teachers. Jenkins has produced 22 National Merit Scholar finalists since its second operating year, 1994. [3] Their school year is divided into two, 18-week semesters. Each student attends four classes per day.

[edit] Athletics

George Jenkins offers students more than 18 sports during Fall, Spring and Winter. Some of the school's other sports offerings include football, baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, cross country/track, boys' soccer, wrestling, swimming and volleyball.
George Jenkins has won two state titles in its school history, one in 1998 by the Boy's Tennis team and the other one by the Women's Soccer team on February 13, 2008. The soccer team defeated Satellite High School to capture the Class 5A State Championship. ^[1]George Jenkins is represented by its Dream Maker band at all large sporting activities. Also, George Jenkins is represented by the ensemble Golden Harmony, who sings the National Anthem at most sporting activities.

[edit] Notable alumni

• Lance Niekro, 1997 GJHS graduate. Major league baseball player with the San Francisco Giants. Son of MLB 221 games winning knuckleballer pitcher Joe Niekro. ^[2]
• Brandon Haley, 2003 GJHS graduate. Played NCAA football for Auburn University. First 5th year senior and 4 year letterman in Division I football in GJHS history. Member of Auburn University 2004 SEC and National Championship Team. First GJHS graduate to win a Division I NCAA and Conference football title. First 5th year senior to major in Engineering under Tommy Tuberville.

Matt Fuchs, 2003 GJHS graduate, played baseball for the University of Florida.

• Billy Johnson, 2003 GJHS graduate, played baseball at Brevard Community College and Flagler College. One of the best offensive players in Flagler College history.

[edit] Administration

The school's principal is Buddy Thomas, an educator with more than 30 years experience. George Jenkins' administrative staff also consists of two assistant principals and five deans for academics, students (2), attendance and athletics

Lake Region High School, in Winter Haven, FL, is modeled after George Jenkins.

2006 State of Florida Academic FCAT Performance Grade: B [4]

2006 State of Florida Academic "Adequate Yearly Progress": Yes[5]