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Next Scheduled Event(s):
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Schweizerfest
June 6-8th
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2008 Jaycees Scholarship Flyer
2008 Jaycees Scholarship Flyer (pdf)
2008 Scholarship Press Release
2008 Scholarship Letter
2008 Schweizerfest Sponsorship Letter
2008 Schweizerfest Sponsorship Form - A
2008 Schweizerfest Parade Press Release
2008 Schweizerfest Parade Solicitation Letter
2008 Schweizerfest Parade Entry Form
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WELCOME
Shaun Voegele Receives Senatorship Award
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The Highland Jaycees formally installed the new 2008 board members during the installation banquet on Friday, January 11.
Former Jaycee President, Jennifer Jakel acknowledged the responsibility that a board member holds. “The chapter board members fill leadership roles in our organization. Other members look to them for guidance and direction. It is critical that board members facilitate the leadership development of those members with less experience.”
The 2008 Jaycee board members include: President – Kristin Schmidt; Community Development Vice President – Jennifer Huelsmann, Individual Development Vice President – Joel Newman, Management Development Vice President – James Fritz, Membership Development Vice President – Terra England, Public Relations Vice President – Diane Weber, State Director – Kent England, and Treasurer & Chairman of the Board – Jennifer Jakel.
“I look forward to leading our chapter as the 2008 president,” stated Schmidt. “This is a wonderful opportunity and I plan to make the best of it.”
Anyone interested in joining the Highland Jaycees may contact Terra at 654-1080.
The Jaycees are a community organization that was founded in St. Louis, Mo., during 1920. Currently, the Jaycees are located in all 50 states and more than 100 foreign countries. The mission of the Jaycees is to provide members with leadership training through community involvement. The Highland Jaycees chapter has over 100 members that devote their time to improving the community.
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2008 Board Members
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Kristin Schmidt, President
A native of Highland, Schmidt, age 27, is employed as a financial analyst at US Steel. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Economics/Finance and a MBA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Also active with
Special Olympics, she joined the Jaycees to cultivate leadership skills while giving back to the community. Her favorite Jaycee memory is organizing the Schweizerfest parade. A member for six years, Schmidt has previously held the position of Treasurer. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and watching movies.
As president, Schmidt has three main goals during her tenure. She intends to focus on membership growth, increasing monetary contribution to the community, and serving in a chair position for Schweizerfest.
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Jennifer Huelsmann, Community Development Vice President
A Highland native, Huelsmann, age 27, is social worker at Southwestern High School, Ill. Huelsmann holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Master’s in Social Work from SIUE. She is also an active member of the Illinois Association of School Workers, National Association of Social Workers, and School Social Workers for America. A member for four years, Huelsmann joined the Jaycees to facilitate community assistance to those in need and meet other young professionals. In her position, Huelsmann plans to encourage and facilitate the effective distribution of local resources to meet the needs of the community. Her favorite Jaycee memory is the scavenger hunt. In addition to the Jaycees, Huelsmann’s interests include college football, cooking, and reading
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Joel Newman, Individual Vice President
A resident of Highland, Newman, age 26, is employed as a carpenter by Plocher Construction. He earned a certificate in construction management. Newman joined the Jaycees to give back to the community. A member for three years, Newman plans to challenge members to continue learning through development projects. His favorite Jaycee memory is the construction of the winter wonderland igloo for the square. In his spare time, Newman enjoys woodworking and riding all terrain vehicles.
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James Fritz, Management Development Vice President
A resident of Highland, Fritz is employed at Korte Meat Processing. He joined the Jaycees to develop leadership skills and meet new people. Fritz has been a member for five years and previously held the position of Community Development VP and Individual Development VP. His favorite Jaycee memory is Schweizerfest. In his position, Fritz plans to ensure chapter management processes run smoothly to facilitate successful events. Fritz is 30 years old. He is an avid professional sports fan.
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Terra England, Membership Development Vice President
A resident of Highland, England, age 36, is a business analyst at Anheuser Busch. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Computer Management. England is also an active member of the boosters and a youth group leader at Hope Lutheran Church. A member for three years, England joined the Jaycees to become involved in the Highland community and meet new people. England plans to encourage membership growth. Her favorite Jaycee memories include Schweizerfest and Street Art Festival. England has previously held position of Membership Development VP. She enjoys playing volleyball, participating in children’s activities, and spending time with friends and family.
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Diane Weber, Public Relations Vice President
A Highland native, Weber, age 27, is a contracting specialist for United States Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base. She holds Bachelors of
Art in Speech Communication with a Public Relations emphasis and minors in Journalism and Business Administration from McKendree College. Weber also holds a MBA from SIUE. She joined the Jaycees because she believed in giving back to the community and found the volunteer work meaningful and challenging. She has been a member for over four years and has previously held the position of Public Relations VP. Weber plans focus on the development of partnerships with local businesses to support community events. Her favorite Jaycee memory is also Schweizerfest. Weber’s interests include traveling, photography, and water and snow skiing.
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Kent England, State Director
A Highland native, England, age 37, is employed as an electrician and holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science. England was motivated to join the Jaycees to help support the community and has been a member for three years. He has previously held the position of Management VP and Community Development VP. England plans to strengthen relationships with other chapters and share lessons learned to improve the chapter. His favorite Jaycee memory is the midnight golf. In addition to his volunteer work, England enjoys volleyball, golf, and spending time with friends and family.
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Jennifer Jakel, Treasure & Chairman of the Board
A Highland native, Jakel, age 27, is an accountant with Frey Properties and the head women’s golf coach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Jakel earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from Southwest Missouri State University and a MBA from SIUE. She is also a member of the National Golf Coaches Association. Jakel joined the Jaycees to build leadership skills and contribute to the community. A member for five years, she has previously held the positions of Secretary, Membership VP, and President. Jakel plans to keep the chapter on track with its annual financial goals. Her favorite Jaycee memory is also Schweizerfest. Jakel’s interests include golf and skiing
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Current & Past Jaycee Presidents
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Highland Jaycees Conclude Successful Year
(HIGHLAND, Ill. 01-10-08) – The Highland Jaycees successfully concluded 2007 with a bang at the New Year’s Eve dance hosted at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
“The Jaycee motto for 2007 was ‘Simply The Best.’ Our chapter pursued this goal wholeheartedly,” stated Jaycee President, Jennifer Jakel. “The chapter had a very successful year and it would have not been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors and the general membership did an outstanding job of running projects and coordinating events.”
The Jaycees’ 2007 accomplishments include: hosted the third annual New Years Eve Dance, hosted a Valentine’s Day Dance for seventh and eighth graders, held a St. Patrick Day Cash Raffle, and offered the eighth annual Highland Jaycee Scholarship.
“Although the scholarship is one of our lesser known events, it is very important. One of the primary purposes of the Jaycees is to develop member’s leadership skills,” stated Diane Weber, Highland Jaycee director of public relations. “By offering a scholarship, we are able to foster the development of leadership skills acquired during the pursuit of a college degree.”
The Jaycees also hosted an Anheuser Busch Brewery Tour for members, participated in the McKinley/Jaycee Motorcycle Rally, participated in Adopt A Highway, hosted a Relay for Life bowling tournament and participated in the Relay for Life event, hosted the annual Schweizerfest festival, assisted in serving and grilling food for the New Baden June Jamboree, worked the Big 6 Wheel for the region at the Alhambra Homecoming and hosted a beverage stand, and sponsored a square for Street Art Festival.
Highland Jaycee Membership Vice President, Terra England, noted her favorite annual event is the Street Art Festival. “I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the amazing talent and creativity of the artists.”
In addition, the Jaycees also grilled meat for the Kirchenfest picnic, hosted a Bowl for Breath tournament to benefit Cystic Fibrosis, participated in the Moonlight Golf Scramble for the Gateway Jaycees, hosted a youth Halloween Dance, hosted a putt putt tournament to benefit multiple sclerosis, and built the winter wonderland igloo for the Christmas display on the square.
Joel Newman, Highland Jaycee state director, noted the time constraints with the construction of the igloo. “We were under short-order to have this project accomplished, but our team pulled together and produced an outstanding product,” explained Newman. “The sense of satisfaction from knowing that we contributed to a little piece of the Christmas magic families experience is definitely worth the work involved.”
In addition to the non-monetary support the Jaycees provided to the community, the Jaycees’ accomplishments during 2007 enabled the chapter to donate over $15,000 to twenty-nine local causes. Benefactors ranged from private individuals to established national non-profit organizations. The Jaycees’ largest annual fundraiser, Schweizerfest, generated nearly $10,000 in donations.
Although Schweizerfest is the most difficult project the Jaycees organize, Jakel explained that it is her favorite event of the year. “I enjoy the five minutes or so that we actually get to sit back and watch the crowd and what a great time they are having. It is so rewarding to see the joy that we have given people and knowing that all the money we raise will go straight back to the community.”
The Jaycees have received notable recognition for their achievements throughout the year. Achievements include: ranking in the top ten of the state for the Parade of Chapter Points for two quarters, state level awards for the New Years Eve Dance (Best Management Project for the State – 1st Quarter) and for Schweizerfest (Best Fundraising Project for the State and Best Public Relations Project for the State -2nd Quarter), at least 15 Gateway Region awards for various projects, and individual members have won over 25 awards at the state and region.
“The success of chapter would not have been possible without the leadership and guidance Jakel provided,” stated Weber. “She is a valuable asset to the organization. The chapter recognized her contributions by nominating her for the St. Louis Rams Community Quarterback Award.”
“I am very grateful to haven been chosen as the 2007 President of the Highland Jaycees. I have been a member for five and half years and it is very close to my heart,” stated Jakel. “I wish a great 2008 for the incoming President, Ms. Kristin Schmidt, and the new Board of Directors.”
The Jaycees are a community organization that was founded in St. Louis, Mo., during 1920. Currently, the Jaycees are located in all 50 states and more than 100 foreign
countries. The mission of the Jaycees is to provide members with leadership training through community involvement. The Highland Jaycees chapter has over 80 members that devote their time to improving the community.
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