Jenks Student Has Chance Of Winning Presidential Honor

A Jenks girl has two nationally recognized documentaries under her belt and she hasn't even graduated high school. Now, a presidential honor could be coming her way.

Friday, February 5th 2010, 9:30 pm

By: News On 6

Jenks Student Has Chance Of Winning Presidential Honor

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

JENKS, OK -- A Jenks girl has two nationally recognized documentaries under her belt and she hasn't even graduated high school.

Now, a presidential honor could be coming her way.

It seems like the clips of Sheema Golbaba's life line up just like the images on her electronic storyboard.

"Ever since I was a little kid I would always get in trouble with my parents because I'd take the video camera and attempt to make my own films as a kid," said Sheema Golbaba, a filmmaker.

At Jenks High School, her curiosity found direction and guidance.

"I do all of the editing, shooting, production of my films," said Sheema Golbaba.

Sheema produced a film on her Iranian-American heritage last year and it was screened on C-SPAN.

"That was quite exhilarating, a little surreal. It was my first national recognition as a filmmaker," said Sheema Golbaba.

The accolades don't end there.

Her latest film on the Tulsa Race Riots was honored by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. She has also been named as a semi-finalist for the Presidential Scholars in the Arts. She's the first Oklahoman to win the distinction for Cinematic Arts.

"This is Sheema's third year with me. I've seen her progress year after year. She's definitely one of the hardest workers. And her piece is a testament to the hard work she did," said Clifton Raphael, who is a Jenks film teacher.

For all the high praise her teacher lavishes on her, Sheema gives it right back to him and the school that has nurtured her talent.

"I feel so fortunate to have such equipment, to have such a great teacher, to have such a great school to thrive under. So I'm very grateful for that," said Sheema Golbaba.

Sheema is one of 60 semi-finalists to become a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. That list of talented teens will be whittled down to 20 finalists. Last year, the scholars honored for visual arts were showcased at the Smithsonian.