Tulsa Students Put Talents To Work For Ailing Teacher

When one of their favorite teachers got really sick, students at Marquette School in Tulsa put their hearts to work. Two of them took advantage of the Mayfest crowd this weekend and put their talent on display.

They played and sang for tips, to honor a teacher they love.

Sam Parker and Jordanna Baldauf, Marquette 6th graders, are already rehearsing for their next little busking adventure.

"It was Sam's idea, he texted me last weekend: 'I've got an idea, it involves playing music downtown for Mrs. Fricker,'" Jordanna said.

Mrs. Fricker is their computer teacher. She was diagnosed with cancer during the year. Since then, students have been raising money for cancer research.

A coin drive at school raised more than $1,200.

"Mrs. Fricker is one of my favorite teachers, by far," Jordanna said.

So the idea to set up on the sidewalk at the edge of Mayfest Friday evening was an easy one. Sam's parents sent us some photographs. The kids had a hand-made sign encouraging passers by to help them make a change by giving up their loose change.

They earned over $150.

They stayed a couple of hours then moved to ONEOK Field for the Bedlam game. They plan to do this again.

Sam's mom told me - these kids were doing something they love, for someone they love. How could it be better than that?

The goal is to have Ms. Fricker back teaching computers, at Marquette, by the beginning of the next school year in August.