BELOW SUPERNAV drop zone ⇩

7-year-old Jeopardy! superfan gets sweet message from Alex Trebek after dressing up as ‘mini-Trebek’ for Halloween

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

MAIN AREA TOP drop zone ⇩

maylen

https://digital-stage.newsnationnow.com/

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241114185800

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241115200405

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118165728

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241118184948

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) — A Virginia boy who dressed up in a creative costume hoping to get a treat this Halloween got the attention of the “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek.

Seven-year-old Evan Jenkins is a superfan of the longtime running game show. His parents said tuning in always makes him happy.

Jarred and Erika Jenkins, Evan’s parents, told NewsNation affiliate WRIC that Evan has been watching the game show since he was a baby and faithfully tunes in every night to watch Trebek on the big screen.

“He claps and smiles as soon as the theme song comes on,” said Erika Jenkins, Evan’s mother.

Seven-year-old Evan Jenkins dressed up as ‘mini-Trebek’

Diagnosed with multiple disabilities, the seven-year-old has undergone countless surgeries, relies on a wheelchair for mobility and is currently non-verbal, but constantly lights up with joy and smiles when his beloved Jeopardy! is on.

“We just want to say, thank you, Alex, for what you do, ” said Jarred Jenkins, Evan’s father. “You have touched our family’s lives. You bring our boy hope, you bring him a smile, and we appreciate that. Alex, we love you.”

“As soon as Alex starts talking, Evan smiles and I think that’s something special,” he said.

Spreading their love for the show, Evan’s parents said it was a no-brainer to dress up their son as ‘mini-Trebek’ for Halloween this year.

Decked out in a gray wig and business suit with the gameboard behind him, Evan’s costume is stealing hearts across Central Virginia.

Evan’s parents also say each share and like online is a small step towards inclusion for children with disabilities.

“We want the world to see the joy that we see,” Jarred Jenkins said. “Not only for Evan but for all people with disabilities. They need to be included in our society.”

Since the story aired, Trebek saw the photos and left a sweet message for Evan on the Jeopardy! Facebook page.

Entertainment

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Site Settings Survey

 

MAIN AREA MIDDLE drop zone ⇩

Trending on NewsNation

AUTO TEST CUSTOM HTML 20241119133138

MAIN AREA BOTTOM drop zone ⇩

tt

KC Chiefs parade shooting: 1 dead, 21 shot including 9 kids | Morning in America

Witness of Chiefs parade shooting describes suspect | Banfield

Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: Mom of 2 dead, over 20 shot | Banfield

WWE star Ashley Massaro 'threatened' by board to keep quiet about alleged rape: Friend | Banfield

Friend of WWE star: Ashley Massaro 'spent hours' sobbing after alleged rape | Banfield

Sunny

la

66°F Sunny Feels like 66°
Wind
6 mph WSW
Humidity
39%
Sunrise
Sunset

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 47F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
47°F Clear to partly cloudy. Low 47F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
Wind
7 mph N
Precip
12%
Sunset
Moon Phase
Waning Gibbous