Last Friday, the halls of W.K. Jackson Leadership Academy were filled with excitement, laughter, and the sweet anticipation of Thanksgiving Break. It was more than just the start of a holiday week—it was a Happy Friday Before Thanksgiving made special by a truly meaningful surprise.
The OKC Thunder Book Bus rolled onto our campus, bright and bold in Thunder blue, overflowing with shelves of stories waiting to be discovered. As the doors opened, the smiles began. Each student had the opportunity to walk onto the bus and select their very own book to take home—a gift to spark imagination, curiosity, and joy.
What made this moment so powerful wasn’t just the books. It was the ownership of learning. The freedom to choose. The moment when a child, holding a book they picked themselves, feels seen, capable, and excited.
From picture books to chapter adventures, histories, mysteries, and futuristic tales—there was something for everyone. Students talked with their peers about what they chose, compared covers, showed teachers, and left proudly cradling their new books like treasures.
It was the perfect kickoff to Thanksgiving Break.
Because learning doesn’t stop when school closes.
Stories go with you.
Books travel.
And imagination grows wherever a child goes.
This event was more than a visit—it was a reminder of the importance of literacy in shaping confidence and creating opportunity. It reflects our mission as a school to build leaders, strengthen readers, and empower young minds.
As Thanksgiving approaches, we are grateful for community partners like the OKC Thunder organization whose commitment to education continues to uplift students throughout Oklahoma City.
But most of all—we are proud of our students.
We can’t wait to hear about the adventures, lessons, and worlds they explore within their books over the break.
Here’s to reading.
Here’s to learning everywhere.
Here’s to a Happy Friday Before Thanksgiving!
And from all of us at W.K. Jackson Leadership Academy—
Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving Break, and enjoy your new books!
We’re still learning!