Rising from Tragedy How Loss and Faith
Shaped One Fairview Graduates Journey
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Amidst the bustling halls of Fairview High School, one young graduate stands out not only for his academic achievements but for the depth of his character and unwavering faith. John Logan Patrick Jenkins was born on August 22, 2006. Jenkins not only embodies values of kindness and empathy but continually draws strength from his faith to help him navigate through life's challenges.
For Jenkins, faith isn't just a belief system; it's a guiding light illuminating his path through every trial and triumph that life brings with it. His journey took a profound turn with the passing of his cousin in 2021 which resulted in a pivotal moment that reshaped his perspective on life and what its purpose was. Jenkins recalled, “My biggest motivator to get through high school was when my cousin passed away in 2021, he was my best friend. After he passed away, I felt like I had to do something to make him proud. I told myself that I was going to be the best football player I could be. But before my junior year started, I decided while being a better football player was one of my goals that it would be my main goal.
Instead, I decided that I wanted to show the world true peace and kindness and that I wanted to not only be a better athlete, but a better student, and person to those around them. My goal was to show the world true empathy and kindness.” The loss of his cousin, who Jenkins described as his best friend served as an accelerant for the fire that had bit lit within Jenkins and ultimately propelled him towards a mission of spreading kindness and empathy wherever he goes.
As Jenkins reminisced about his days spent at Fairview High School, a place he considered more than just a school and more like family. Jenkins shared, “What Makes Fairview so special to me is that everyone feels like family, with it being such a small school you pretty much know everyone in the entire school. The teachers also make Fairview very special. Every single teacher at the school takes time out of there day to truly try and get to know all of the students to understand where their students are coming from.”
Jenkins recalled that his fond memory of his high school years occurred during his sophomore year when one of his favorite teachers, Mr. Lounsberry stood up in front of the class and rapped Edgar Allen Poe’s, “The Raven,” from start to finish. It was something that he will never forget and brings him much happiness every time it comes to mind.
Football also played a very large part of Jenkins time spent at Fairview High School and Jenkins shared that, “Football has taught me a lot. It has shown me how to persevere through the hardest of times. It has shown me that hard work pays off and that if you believe in yourself, you’ve already won half the battle.”
The support system that Jenkins had while at Fairview High School was nothing short of amazing and he attributes much of who he is today because of those that have touched his life in way or another at Fairview High. “Something about my time in school that has helped shape me into the person I am today is the way that my teachers and coaches have always pushed me to do my very best. Whether it was in the classroom or on the field. They always made me put forth my best effort and it was through my teachers and coaches I found what I am truly passionate about, and that’s helping others.” Jenkins stated.
Athletics played a significant role in Jenkins' high school journey. He excelled in football, serving as team captain in his senior year, alongside notable achievements in bowling and esports. His dedication and leadership earned him accolades such as the Varsity Football All Area Honorable Mention and DAR Good Citizen recognition.
Beyond sports, Jenkins actively engaged in other various extracurricular activities, including the Pep Club, cooking club, and Health Occupations Students of America. His commitment extended outside the school walls, as he balanced two jobs while pursuing his academic excellence and overall success.
Jenkins shared that none of this would have been made possible without his Heavenly Father guiding him along the way and he shared two of his favorite verses from the Bible that he tends to fall back on in his day-to-day life. “I have two quotes that I live by one of them being Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” The other quote I like to live by is Corinthians 16:13-14, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
Acknowledging that his strength comes from the Lord and that had it not been for the many amazing teachers and coaches that God placed in his life throughout the years that he would not be the person he is today. Jenkins noted that he credits all of these blessings for igniting his passion for helping others. This passion has driven his decision to pursue a degree in Exercise Science at Morehead State University, where his goal is to become a Physical Therapist.
Determined to honor his cousin's memory, Jenkins has embraced a lifelong mission of spreading peace and kindness everywhere he goes. As John Logan Patrick Jenkins bids a fond adieu to Fairview High School, the lessons he has learned and people that he has met will forever be a part of who is and who he is to become. Jenkins wishes to share a few words of encouragement for future graduates… “My words of encouragement to the students graduating next year would actually be another bible quote… Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
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