Members of the Henryetta High School Theatre, along with Coach Justin Been and his wife, and chaperones returned last week from an exciting trip to New York City. They visited lots of attractions, and even got to see a Broadway production. This trip of a lifetime for students involved in the program, was made possible by donations from area businesses and individuals.

Coach Justin Been posted the following thank you on social media to recap the trip.

— Well, we did it!

And when I say we, I mean a whole bunch of people made this trip possible.

For the last 5 days, 42 Henryettans stormed all over New York City! 26 Henryetta HS students experienced something they will never forget. We are beyond grateful for each and every individual donor, T-Shirt sponsor, business donor, foundation (HEF and Laura Goodner), raffle ticket buyer, spaghetti dinner customer, H-Town Theatre show patron, and any other fundraiser participants (I forgot about) who made this possible. There is no way to name them all because I would no doubt leave many out. At one time, it seemed like a crazy, long shot, impossible, pipe dream idea of rewarding these hard working students with a “trip of a lifetime.” Today it is now a full fruition reality due to each of you! We raised right at $80,000 in approximately 7 months. Wow!

Thank you, thank you and thank you again! As far as this trip’s development and execution we want to thank the following: 1. Jody Butler and Butler’s Bucket List Travel. Jody has helped me with 2 school trips now. One to Disney World and now one more to NYC! She is awesome and isn’t afraid of helping make HS student’s dreams come true! Thank you Jody!

2. To our school administration and school board for allowing us this opportunity. And, Cindy Layman and Tammie Fairres for helping me sort through all the financial preparations for the trip! 3. Patrick Turner and Mike Hardgrave who chauffeured us to and from Tulsa International Airport in our activity bus.

4. To all of our H-Town Theatre parents who not only worked hard to raise money but also trusted us enough to send their kid to what seemed like one of the most intimidating places on earth. Not only did we make it there and back, by midday yesterday your kiddos were all navigating N.Y. like New Yorkers!

5. To my Chaperone and Student Sponsor TEAMMelanie Green, Kristin Hargis, Cheryl Gillin, Kira Hardgrave, Laura Goodner, Stacy Been and Brad and Lela Foster. You guys worked your tails and walked your feet off all week keeping up with and sometimes guarding and protecting our kids. I hope you at least got to enjoy some of this trip as our kids did. You ALL are so special to and forever a part of our H-Town Theatre Family.

6. Last but not least, to Liz and John. First off, I would have never agreed to or decided to take this trip had it not been for both of you! I cannot imagine living in NYC everyday but thank the Good Lord you guys are not only residents but you are professionals! Your internal GPS had this ole country boy at ease as I trailed this entire group most of the week.

John, our kids love you more than you know and I am forever indebted to you brother for all of your help not just this week but the last 3 years. Plus, you guided us and me to and from Yankees Stadium to witness a game in the greatest rivalry in Major League Baseball. The stadium, the game, and the subway back to the hotel is one I’ll never forget! Thank you brother.

Liz – There are really no words, but I’ll try. You are a rock start! Best NYC tour guide in New York! I cannot imagine how much time you spent planning our days and itinerary. People, trust me when I say we were on schedule 99% of the week. We walked over 40 miles in 4 days.That’s right, fourty! We figured it up as if we walked from Henryetta to Bixby!

The Master Class you arranged may have been my favorite parts of the week. But, it sums up what you have done and are to these kids. There we were with 26 Henryetta Theatre kids performing for and learning from Broadway professionals. It was surreal. I was so emotional watching our kids perform and experience this. These small-town kids from both of our hometown. I bawled like a baby with an overwhelming feeling of pride and gratitude. I will be posting videos of those performance later for you all to see. Liz, you are so special to all of us but especially the kids. I would dare to say one of if not the most influential person in their educational and personal lives. You do not get that without earning it. Thank you for being you and all you have done for not only this trip but for this department, program, school, and community. Your goal of giving these kids an experience and insight into your world in N.Y. has been not only met but Smashed! We love you Liz Bealko!

Thank you again Henryetta and all who played a role in our goal of New York 2023!

We will see you in the A.G. next season!

Justin Been,, H-Town Theatre

-See next week’s issue for photos from the trip.