Thomas Jefferson

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Junior FUNdraisers

Posted 03/09/2016 by Caroline Cech

photo courtesy of Anne McCord

TJ’s junior class is working hard on planning and fundraising for upcoming social events.

With senior year quickly approaching for the class of 2017, the juniors and administrators are working together to raise money for events such as prom and the senior banquet – events that will make their last year at TJ memorable to date.

Students and sponsors have put multiple fundraisers in place. “We just finished up the Duffeyroll fundraiser, where you could sell duffeyrolls to friends and family and the profits would go towards our class,” explained Maisie McCord, a junior who participated in the fundraiser. This event was completed just in time for Valentine’s Day. TJ is working with local businesses like the Duffeyroll Cafe to raise a reasonable amount of profit.

Other businesses that TJ has worked with include restaurants such as Smashburger, Slices, and Firehouse Subs. In order for these fundraisers to work, the company sets up a time window for people to patronize their business, and if customers mention TJ, a portion of the profits goes towards the class. Other past fundraisers have been parent parties, in which a junior parent hosts a gathering for other parents, charging fees which go directly to the class of 2017. “Parent nights hosted by one or two families include food and beverages provided with various themes.  The cost to attend is $20 per person, and all proceeds go back to the 2017 account. These have been fun and successful evenings. We plan to continue throughout the next school year, approximately every other month,” explained junior parent Stephanie Stoetzer.

Another fundraiser that took place was the making of class shirts, which were inspired by the Colorado flag and designed by parent and student volunteers. Every class has significant events which warrant unique fundraisers; for the junior class, the most anticipated event and prime reason for many of the fundraisers is prom. “Prom is a priority, and if there is any extra money left over from these fundraisers, it will go towards things like the senior banquet,” McCord said. TJ parents are also working together to raise money for an after-prom, a fun event that wraps up senior year on a positive note.

A majority of the sponsors involved are members of TJ’s Partners Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) who run the fundraisers and keep track of the money raised. Partners support numerous school activities and programs, allowing TJ families to become more involved with the school. Without their dedicated support and countless hours devoted to TJ, the money raised for the junior class would be minimal. Several teachers are also involved in the juniors’ success, including junior class teacher sponsors Tambyr Reed, Jason Sheehan, and Jacquelyn Hudson-Raila. These staff members help out with social events such as prom and homecoming, help plan the fundraisers, and work with the PTO.

Junior families can get involved with these parties and fundraisers by emailing tjhs2017@gmail.com to find out specific dates and how to best benefit the class of 2017. With hard work and upcoming successful fundraisers, the class of 2017 is in for a great senior year.