GuthrieAmerica Story: Jana Frey

Tell the world what your parent's named. 

Jana Frey

Where were you born specifically?

I was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma at the "old hospital".

When did you move to Guthrie?

I've lived in Guthrie most of my life. I moved away for about 3 1/2 years after high school but have lived here ever since.

What's your favorite Guthrie-related memory?

My favorite Guthrie related memory would have to be being a GPS student-if that counts. I loved going to school here and have great memories of my school days and all of my friends. If I had to pick something specific to Guthrie itself, I would say going to the 89er Day parades. My family has always gone to the parade and are usually some of the very first people to line the streets to get a "good spot" for the parade!

What's the best part about living in Guthrie?

The best part about living in Guthrie is that I'm still close to many of my friends that I graduated with that still live here and most of my family lives here as well. I love living here because you know someone every time you go somewhere in town. It's really neat watching the kiddos of the people I went to school with going to the same schools we went too.

What does Guthrie have that other towns don't?

Guthrie has awesome people! I've traveled many places but there's just something about Guthrie. If you need help, there is always someone just a phone call away. That doesn't happen in bigger towns and not even in some smaller towns. Guthrie is home to me.

Are you a Guthrie High School alumni?

I am ABSOLUTELY a GHS alumni! And proud of it! I am a GHS graduate of the class of 1995! Go BLUEJAYS!

If you lived here at some point and moved back why?

I've lived in Norfolk, Virginia as well as San Diego, California. I loved California, (Virginia-not so much), but Guthrie is home to me. I have lots of family and friends here as well as an awesome church family. I'm not sure I can survive without having these people close to me!

Where do you currently work and how long?

I currently work at the administration office for Guthrie Public Schools. I have worked for the District going on 6 years and this is my 4th year to work at the administration office.

What do you love most about your job?

What I love most about my job is that in the end, I am helping kids. It's not always pleasant getting to be on the other end of a phone call from an upset parent, but I have no doubt that the decisions that were made regarding this child were done for the good of the child. That's why I can rest at night! I love kids and there is not always an advocate for some of our students. I'm thankful to be able to hopefully be making a difference in the life of a child.

If you grew up in Guthrie and had your first job here...where? Did you get fired?

My first actual job I had in Guthrie was at H&R Block working for Bonnie Calvert when I was 16 years old. I had an awesome gig! I worked in the softball off-season during tax season and she was kind enough to work around my schedule. I have never been fired from a job.

Do you have family here? If so explain...

I have a LOT of family here! My mom is one of 5 children and my dad is one of 6! All but one of my mom's siblings live in Guthrie and all but 2 of my dad's siblings live in Guthrie. I always tell my children that whatever they are doing out in the town, I will always find out because there is either one of our relatives around or one of my friends!

How did you first hear or learn about the GuthrieAmerica brand?

I first learned about the GuthrieAmerica brand when I saw people wearing the shirts around town.

Why do you wear GuthrieAmerica tee?

I wear my GuthrieAmerica tee because I'm proud of our town and community!

What are your favorite things to do in Guthrie?

My favorite things to do in Guthrie are go to sporting events whether it be basketball, football or softball. I love cheering on our Bluejays!

How would you define what it means when you hear or say COMMUNITY WINS?

When I hear "Community Wins" I think of all of us coming together as one to make this community of ours a better place for not only now but the generations to come! There is so much negativity and bickering that goes on. I sometimes think how much better we could be if we really trust that some of the decisions being made that we don't like were actually made for good reasons. Community Wins when we all just trust and move forward together! Be kind to each other, be a good example to those around you and be a good role model for your children. It's amazing what these things will do in your life as well as in other lives around you!

Anything significant about your life you would like to share?

I am happily married to my wonderful husband, Kevin, for 18 years and have 3 amazing sons: TJ Wilson who is 22 years old and joined the Navy this year, Ethan Frey who is 17 and will be a senior in High School this year, and Devin Frey who is almost 14 and will be in 8th grade. These guys are my world and I couldn't be more proud of how they teach me about kindness to others on a daily basis.

Lastly, we love SHOUT OUTS! Who do you want to give a shout out to?

I want to give a HUGE shout out to everyone at GPS! It takes a lot of work to make this train go, but every day, day in and day out, we are all here for the betterment of our community trying to make a difference in the lives of kids!

Wait, one more. What does it mean to CHOOSE GUTHRIE?

Choosing Guthrie means I'm willing to volunteer to help make this town a kinder and more gentler place in which to live! It takes a village! Choose Guthrie!