By Jeff Knapp
January 4, 2005
Jonathan Parkhurst accepts the 'Most Friendly' award from Oklahoma Governor Brad HenryJonathan Parkhurst is always smiling, it seems. His smile beamed extreme while accepting his award from Governor Brad Henry during the 19th Annual Governor's Disability Employment Awards Ceremony recently.
Jonathan was voted the "most friendly" courtesy clerk by his co-workers, and has also been called "extremely reliable," never missing an opportunity to encourage people to shop his favorite store. "Come back and see me," is one of Jonathan's standard comments, all the while discussing current events that he has studied. One of his dreams is to be a reporter someday and put news stories in a positive light. This was surely a topic of discussion with the Mistress of Ceremonies, KOCO's Kimberly Lohman.
Nominees for the award are judged on positive changes in independence, personality and community involvement due primarily to his or her employment. Jonathan truly enjoys his job and interacting with customers at Albertson's store #2248 in Edmond.
Jonathan's mother commented that his understanding and efficient use of time has greatly improved through the course of his employment. She also said that she doesn't see how he has time to complete everything on his agenda, from daily training for the Special Olympics, to studying his Bible, and working part time at Albertson's.
Participating in power lifting events, Jonathan also serves as a Global Messenger to give speeches around the state to recruit participants to Special Olympics. He represented America in power lifting at the Special Olympics in Ireland in June of 2003, winning a bronze for TeamUSA in the bench press competition.
Jonathan's self-confidence and desire to show kindness to every person he meets fits right in line with his serving as a church deacon, helping teach his adult Sunday school class and visiting the sick. As a former Francis Tuttle student, Jonathan also proudly serves as a member of the Human Rights Committee for Francis Tuttle's supported employment program.
In the fall of 2003 Jonathan took up golf, and after developing his skills with a $11 starter set of clubs, he purchased a brand new set with money he earned working at Albertson's. In 2004 Jonathan participated in the annual Special Olympics golf competition, and hopes to enter again.
As Jonathan studies his Bible and current events, pursues various hobbies with a vengeance, and enjoys discussing these and other topics with everyone he meets, the smile never leaves his face.