Spartan-Up! strikes again, cleaning and reorganizing trophy cases.
Walk into TJ and the first thing you’ll see is gold. Coincidentally, the school colors for the Spartans are brown and gold. In this case however, the emanating golden shine comes from the newly cleaned trophy cases.
As part of the ongoing Spartan-Up! project at TJ, Spanish teacher Rose Young has taken on the job of cleaning, dusting, and reorganizing the impressive collection of trophies earned by TJ sports and clubs.
The trophy cases line the main hall of TJ, leading to the end of the front office. Immediately inside the front doors of the school is the “hanging hexagon” award case. This eight-sided display hanging from the ceiling serves as a centerpiece for the trophies, displaying the collection of State Championship awards.
For Young, the job of cleaning the trophies is nothing new. “I have been cleaning the trophies for the past ten years at TJ,” said Young. “I think it is important to keep the trophies looking their best. It shows pride in the student accomplishments from years past,” she said.
This year Young has taken the job to a new level, reorganizing the trophies according to sport. All sports have their own designated section, including the drama, speech, and debate teams. “We are continually finding old trophies every year, and those need to be added into the appropriate area,” said Young.
Cleaning these awards has a much deeper, sentimental value for Young. “Cleaning all these trophies is like taking a trip down memory lane for me. I was with most of the teams when the trophies were earned,” stated Young.
It will come as no surprise for most, but Young has taken a personal interest in the football team, and the football section of the trophy case. “I have spent much more time with the football team, and I am proud to call myself the team’s water lady,” Young joked.
Even more special for Young are the two trophies that have been earned by her sons, both of whom are TJ alums, graduating in the 1980s. Young’s sons have participated in the earning of a 1988 Baseball trophy, and a 1984 Basketball trophy.
“I love the idea of Spartan-up!” stated Young. “It is doing a fantastic job of bringing back the school spirit and making Spartans proud. As long as I am here at TJ, I will continue to make the trophy cases shine!”
Another Spartan-UP! done, and a cleaner presentation of trophies to prove it.
