TJ’s Class of 2011 seniors work hard to re-create old school traditions to help build a unified student body and stronger TJ community.
TJ's Senior Class of 2011 smiles for the camera at the sleep out. Photo by Jon Poole
On Wednesday, August 18th, Thomas Jefferson’s senior class defined school pride and unity by succeeding in repairing an old school tradition, the Senior Sleep Out.
“The TJ school culture is incredible and other schools are envious. This senior class has given TJ a gift larger than they may have realized or intended,” said Jon Poole, who is the senior class sponsor and slept out with the seniors. It was the seniors’ motivation and school spirit that allowed them to implement positive change among the TJ community. The seniors have set the standards, and plan to reach their ultimate goal of rejuvenating TJ’s family by the end of their high school careers. “I think the seniors have done TJ a great service, reinvigorating Spartan pride,” said Poole. It was the retired tradition -t he Senior Sleep Out – which was their first ambitious step towards reaching their goal.
“I find it to be truly inspirational how much work my classmates put into restoring the sleep out. We were able to prove that if you really work hard for something, you can make it happen,” said TJ Senior Melissa Acker. The seniors worked closely with administrators throughout the summer to reach their requirements and expectations. Safety contracts, donation letters, and neighborhood invites were all composed to help construct a successful sleep out. “If we were able to pull this off during the summer where we don’t see each other every day, I can’t wait to see the things we can accomplish while together during the school year,” said Acker.
The Spartan Senior Sleep Out was reintroduced this year as an event to kick-off the seniors’ last year of high school and to welcome the incoming freshmen on their first day of high school. “The sleep out gave us a chance to create a freshman/senior relationship, something we were unable to experience our freshman year,” said senior Jesse Liu, who was the cameraman at the event.
The sleep out was an opportunity for the seniors to expand their friendships outside of cliques and to offer help and a friendly face to the freshmen. “It reminded me of challenge day seeing how much the seniors were connecting with each other. The group felt so natural, there was a very strong sense of unity,” said Acker.
The seniors chatted over hot dogs and hamburgers, played red rover, duck-duck-goose, and freeze tag, then ended the night by mellowing down over a late night movie. “The best part of the entire night was definitely the games. We all broke out of our cliques with ease and really came together as a class; we were there to have fun and enjoy each others presence,” said Senior Marelle Davey.
The TJ softball field was an ideal location for the sleep out, and was able to offer the seniors a comfortable and accommodating site. “I enjoyed watching the seniors set up tents and reconnect with each other after summer; there was a real sense of community,” said TJ Principal Sandra Just. The diverse group of seniors was able to demonstrate teamwork throughout the night and into the morning. It was as simple as lending a helping hand while setting up tents and helping to prepare bagels and drinks for the freshman welcome breakfast. “It was very impressive watching the seniors welcome the freshmen and to see their desire to welcome them,” said Just. The seniors clapped and cheered for the freshmen as they entered into the building. Name tags were handed out to the freshmen as the seniors exchanged names and handshakes with them.
“It really stood out to me how much support the parents and staff had for the seniors. Everyone was there for the right reasons, and was sincere in their efforts to welcome and excite the freshmen,” said Theresa Becker, a TJ parent who helped throughout the event. Other participating parents include, Kelly Amling, Stephanie Bady, Jeff Becker, Ashley and Larry Edelman, Patricia and George Hearne, Cindy and Michael McMacken, and Yvette Newman.
The seniors’ efforts to amplify school spirit seemed to give freshmen their first taste of Spartan pride. “Freshmen were pleasantly surprised to have such an enthusiastic welcome from the seniors; some of their fear was alleviated and they also got a chance to see what they could be doing as TJ seniors. The sleep out is a fun tradition that gives the freshmen something to look forward to,” said Amber Wilson, who is also a Senior Class Sponsor and slept out with the seniors. Other TJ Faculty members were also involved such as TJ Campus Security, Officer Cueva, TJ Spanish Teacher and DJ for the night, Kyler Jackson, Principal, Sandra Just, and Assistant Principal, Scott Lessard. The faculty helped to lay down the foundations used as a base for the event.
“I hope future classes will realize how much effort the Senior Class put into the sleep out, especially Anna Becker and Marelle Davey. A school is only as good as the students make it,” said Poole. The Senior Class was able to pull off the sleep out seamlessly as a result of diligence and dedication.
“Our class came together and proved we can do anything. Now we are all closer than ever and are ready to take on our next challenge as a team,” said Nicole Brown, who is a senior at TJ. Throughout the year the seniors plan to make their mark at TJ and leave with a BANG! Senior class leaders hope that the growing TJ family will carry on their support towards the entire student body and continue to expand on the contagious Spartan pride.
