Oklahoma journalists to be inducted into hall of fame at UCO

Photo by: Will Gentry

 

First it was Will Rogers, the Oologah-born humorist, who was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame when it was founded in 1971. Then it was John and Faith Wylie, publishers of the Oologah Lake Leader, who were inducted in 2012. Now it is Carolyn Estes, the fourth journalist from Oologah to be honored, along with eight other inductees.

The journalists will be recognized for their professional achievements during the 44th Anniversary Celebration of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame on April 24 at the University of Central Oklahoma.

“When I received the call, I had to make sure they had not called the wrong number and thought they were talking to someone else,” Estes said. “I have always thought to be named to the Hall of Fame was the highest honor one could receive. I still feel this way.”

Estes joined the Oologah Lake Leader in 1982 as a reporter and photographer after suggesting to J.R. Haney, who founded the newspaper earlier that year, that the paper needed more and better coverage of the local school and its programs.

Senior Jessica Estrada said the Journalism Hall of Fame inductees are men and women who have gone above and beyond the expectations of a journalist.

“What sets these people apart from others is the fact that they have been highly dedicated to their work for years compared to others in their field,” Estrada said. “Unlike those who have lost the passion and drive to always strive for excellence in their job, these journalists have not failed to work diligently even when faced with challenges in order to achieve their success.”

Estes created For the Kid in You, a nationally syndicated Newspapers in Education feature. She also has lectured nationwide on how to start, structure and finance Newspapers in Education programs, and developed a partnership between the newspaper and the Corps of Engineers, which promotes water safety to children.

“I’m now 70 years old and plan to continue to work,” Estes said. “I will continue to work at the Oologah Lake Leader and the Newspaper in Education program. I’m in the process of another eight-chapter serial story for the Oklahoma Press Foundation. As The Leader’s marketing director, I get to work with all members of our community and will continue to do so.”

According to freshman Katie Jones, a Journalism Hall of Fame inductee is someone who has a strong passion for writing and the determination to get the job done through thick and thin.

“This can be seen over time since the most devoted writers never stop writing, and you can watch their work shape into something extraordinary as they see more in life and gain new insight on a variety of topics,” Jones said. “Also, I think that to be an inductee you need to have a strong connection with their community and understand what the people want and need to hear or read.”

Jones admitted being in the Journalism Hall of Fame is a goal that she would like to live up to.

“In school, my goal is to focus on staying true to my studies and my passion for writing,” Jones said. “Hopefully when I graduate I will continue to work hard in whatever job I may acquire, eventually working up to the level of success and experience that the inductees are at right now.”

Estrada agreed, acknowledging that she has a long road ahead of her.

“I would definitely love to work up to the goal of being inducted into a hall of fame someday,” Estrada said. “Since I am still a student, it is hard to wrap my mind around the idea of even reaching this goal, because I still have so much more to learn about my career and life. It would be awesome if I achieved such a goal because my efforts and hard work would be recognized and honored.”

Estes said she has been honored to work with the Oklahoma Press Association and Oklahoma Press Foundation.

“When asked to go to work for the Oologah Lake Leader, my first thought was what if I fail,” Estes said. “My husband told me to go try, and if it didn’t work out to just come home. I’m so glad I didn’t go home. I love what I do and love the people I work with and for. I live in the best community and the best state.”

Other honorees during the 44th annual ceremony will be Ed Blochowiak, Shawnee’s News-Star photographer; Thomas H. Boone, of the Bixby Bulletin, retired; Jay Cronley, Tulsa World columnist; Kelly Dyer Fry, editor of The Oklahoman and vice-president of news for OPUBCO Communications Group; Larry Ferguson of the Pawnee Chief; William A. Hamilton, retired; Tim Schnoebelen of the Mooreland Leader; and Jan Stratton, of KSWO-YV in Lawton, retired.

The luncheon program starts at 11:45 a.m. on the third floor of the Nigh University Center. Master of ceremonies will be Mark Thomas, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Press Association.

Luncheon reservations are $15 each and may be made by contacting Terry M. Clark at tclark@uco.edu, or calling 405-974-5122, by April 17.