How inspiration, friendship, and respect defined the journey of two JHS employees
Mandy Nightingale was performing a balancing act during her senior year at Sapulpa High School. She was fielding scholarship offers from Division I basketball programs around the country and traveling far and wide to water skiing competitions, all while maintaining a perfect grade point average on her way to being named valedictorian of the SHS Class of 1998. Life was hectic and happening fast. But the most meaningful moments of Nightingale’s senior semesters were spent as an aide in the office of College Counselor, Paula Dennis.
“She was always a safe space for me,” Nightingale stated when reflecting on her first impressions of her mentor. “If I ever needed someone to talk to, she was there. She made every day happy. I respected her so much, and she definitely inspired me to become a counselor so I could do for students what she did for me.”
Fast forward 25 years and Nightingale is a college counselor at Jenks High School. As fate would have it, she shares an office with Paula Dennis. What started a quarter century earlier as a student-counselor relationship has become a peer-to-peer friendship the former Chieftains turned Trojans say they couldn’t have scripted more perfectly.
“It’s come full circle for us and it really is a dream come true,” Dennis said. “It’s the best thing ever because I can’t wait to get to school every day to work with her. She is so kind and so thoughtful with the students. Watching her and working alongside her, there’s just nothing like it. I can’t even describe how amazing it is to work next to one of the people I love most.”
“If you had told me back then that our desks would be a few feet from each today, I actually would have believed you,” nodded Nightingale. “She is the main reason I wanted to do this for a living. I’ve learned so much from her and now we’re in a position where we get to help students and celebrate their achievements together. It’s so special.”
Dennis and Nightingale assist students with college applications, essays, recommendation letters, NCAA eligibility requirements, financial aid, and all the logistics associated with next steps after graduation. Perhaps the most important aspect of their roles is acting as advocates and cheerleaders for every teenager who walks through their door. Showing students they genuinely care is a part of the college counselor job Nightingale takes to heart. She will never forget how Dennis made her feel when she was navigating the complexities of senior year. It’s never been lost on her and she wants to make sure Dennis’ kindness is being paid forward.
“I am not here without her,” Nightingale said while pointing at Dennis. “I knew she cared about me back then and I see how she treats every student who asks for her help. She can talk to anyone, and she is so good at forming connections with her students. It’s one of things I respect most about her and how she does her job.”
Dennis confirms the feeling is mutual.
“It’s honestly exciting to watch her work because she is so detail-oriented and level headed,” commented Dennis. “For 25 years now, I’ve watched her do everything right. We are so lucky to have her here at Jenks.”
Nightingale attended college in Colorado and worked in another school district as a basketball coach. Dennis was a counselor at other schools in the Tulsa area and spent several years in Mississippi. In spite of the twists and turns of their individual journeys, the bond created in the halls of Sapulpa High School was only strengthened as the years went by. When their paths first crossed, Paula Dennis was that one person in the right moment for Mandy Nightingale. Now, together, they seize each and every opportunity to shape a student’s future.
“She still impresses me every day,” stated Nightingale.
In her former student and now her colleague, Dennis is reminded of the reason she chose this kind of work.
“Sitting next to Mandy has been the biggest reward of my professional career,” Dennis said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”