TJ’s Alumni Association makes big plans for the future and encourages everyone to help out.
Artwork by Mia Nogueira
The newly formed Thomas Jefferson Alumni Association (TJAA) is calling all graduates to help out and do big things for TJ’s community.
TJAA was established in April of 2009 and the founding members include: Michelle Saab, Kendra Valis Black, Jan Weimer, Cathy Crist, Grant Laman, Toni Pigford, Sunni Rogers, Pam Oviatt Shepard, Matt Spampinato, and Diane Wenger. Last summer, the TJAA helped improve the “curb appeal” of TJ through its involvement with tree planting, installing flower pots, working the landscape, painting, and simply cleaning up the school.
“Our mission is to cultivate and strengthen relationships among alumni, friends, neighbors, faculty, and staff; to promote school pride, school spirit and a positive school culture throughout the TJ community. To foster relationships with TJ students and promote their academic success, and to fund raise to support scholarships and school projects,” said Co-Founder, Kendra Black. “Currently we are focusing on getting all alumni to register to be a part of the association.” Alumni can register online at www.alumni.tjjournal.com.
Black believes that alumni involvement is important for any school. “Alumni associations are important for tradition, history, school spirit and pride. They are the keepers of these things and help to keep them alive for current and future students. Alumni can transfer these things to current students so that they can feel proud. Alumni can also have personal relationships with students as tutors and mentors,” said Black.
All alumni were invited to the Homecoming football game on September 25th at 7:00pm at All City Stadium. The TJ grads had a designated section under the Alumni Banner. At half time, gold pom poms were distributed to the Spartan proud, and a select group of alumni were recognized. TJ’s own faculty member and ‘91 alumnus, Grant Laman, emceed this half time presentation.
The TJAA is also beginning to plan celebrations for TJ’s 50th anniversary. Thomas Jefferson High School first opened in 1960 so the first 50 year reunion will be in 2011. “We do not have specific plans for the 50th. I am hoping to get some focus groups together to brainstorm ideas. All interested students are encouraged to participate as well. We hope to have a series of events, including a celebration at the 2010 and 2011 homecoming games,” said Black.
Black is encouraging alumni to join the association, she said. “Alumni should join to reconnect with their TJ friends and community for fun and to get involved with the school and its current students.”
For any questions regarding involvement with the Alumni Association, please contact Kendra Black at 303-639-5453 or kendrablack@pioneergrp.com; or register online at alumni.tjjournal.com.
