Highland Jaycees Install 2009 Board Members
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WELCOME
The Highland Jaycees formally swore in the 2009 board members during an installation banquet on Saturday, January 24.
"I am honored to be a part of the Highland Jaycees. I will work my hardest to provide quality leadership and I am dedicated to facilitating the development of every active member," stated Jaycee President, James Fritz. "Witnessing the Jaycees accomplish so much for their community is remarkable. This is the reason I'm involved and aspired to become president."
The 2009 Jaycee board members include: President – James Fritz; Community Development Vice President – Abbey Ladavac, Individual Development Vice President – Kristin Schmidt, Management Development Vice President – Julie Dubach, Membership Development Vice President – Shannon Everett, Public Relations Vice President – Diane Nagel, State Director – Jennifer Huelsmann, Treasurer – Jennifer Jakel, and Chairman of the Board – Kristin Schmidt.
"There's hope for tomorrow if you wake up today." Fritz noted that this song lyric by Ted Nugent is this year's guiding principle for the Jaycees. "To me, this means that everyone has the power to make their own destiny by creating and seizing today's opportunities," stated Fritz.
While focusing on the future of the Jaycees, Fritz acknowledges previous accomplishments that will facilitate future success. "I'd like to thank our parting president, Kristin Schmidt. She's an exceptional leader and her term will be a hard act to follow."
Anyone interested in joining the Highland Jaycees may contact the Highland Jaycees at www.highlandjaycees.org.
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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2009 Board Members
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James Fritz, President
Fritz, age 31, is employed at Olin Corporation. He joined the Jaycees in 2004 to earn points for a Jaycee scavenger hunt and has been involved ever since. Fritz has been a member for five years and previously held the positions of
Community Development VP, Individual Development VP, and Management VP. His favorite Jaycee event was hosting the 2008 New Years Eve dance and working closely with the Knights of Columbus to provide a fun and safe environment where the community could celebrate. Fritz's goal for the year is chapter growth – both quantitatively and qualitatively. He plans to recruit a minimum of 25 new members and challenge all members to become more active and creative in their support of the chapter. His interests include professional sports (especially the Steelers) and volunteering.
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Abbey Ladavac, Community Development Vice President
Ladavac, age 34, is currently a full-time homemaker. She is working towards a degree in Computer Information Systems. Following advice from her mother about helping others, Ladavac joined the Jaycees to give back to the community. She is also an advocate for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. A member for over four years, Ladavac has previously held the position of Management VP. Her favorite Jaycee memory was hosting the first-ever 80's trivia night. She intends to continue to strengthen the chapter's community development role in order to support those who most need assistance. Her hobbies include cooking, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.
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Kristin Schmidt, Individual Development Vice President & Chairman of the Board
Schmidt, age 28, 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). Schmidt joined the Jaycees to develop leadership skills while giving back to the community. She is also active with Special Olympics. Her favorite Jaycee memory is her 2008 term as president. A member for seven years, Schmidt has previously held the position of Treasurer and President. She plans to increase members' knowledge on health and wealth by providing relevant individual development projects. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and watching movies.
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Julie Dubach, Management Development Vice President
Dubach, age 34, is a contracting specialist for Defense Information Systems Agency at Scott Air Force Base. She holds a Bachelor of Art in Psychology from McKendree University and a Masters of Management from Fontbonne University. Dubach joined the Jaycees to develop leadership skills and meet new people. She is also a volunteer and wish granter for Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois. Dubach plans to facilitate efficient chapter management processes to ensure successful events. A member for approximately six years, her favorite Jaycee event is the putt putt golf tournament. Her hobbies include bowling, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
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Shannon Everett, Membership Development Vice President
Everett, age 22, is an estimating specialist for Boeing. She is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Economics and Finance at SIUE. Everett joined the Jaycees to become involved with her community. Her goal is to increase awareness of the Jaycees with Highland youth and to encourage community members to become more involved with the Jaycees. A member for one year, her favorite Jaycee event is Schweizerfest. In her spare time, Everett enjoys reading, softball, volleyball, and working out.
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Diane Nagel, Public Relations Vice President
Nagel, age 28, 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 University. Nagel also holds an MBA from SIUE. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America. Nagel joined the Jaycees to contribute to the community while continuing to challenge herself to learn new skills. She has been a member for over four years and has previously held the position of Public Relations VP. Nagel intends to continue her focus on building cooperative relationships with local businesses to support community events. Her favorite Jaycee event was the 80's trivia night. Nagel's interests include traveling, photography, and water and snow skiing.
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Jennifer Huelsmann, State Director
Huelsmann, age 28, 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 and the National Education Association. A member for over four years, Huelsmann has previously held the position of Community Development VP. She joined the Jaycees to contribute to the community and meet other young professionals. Huelsmann's goal is to facilitate relationships with and increase awareness of other regional chapters. Her favorite Jaycee memory is the trip to Fast Eddie's. In addition to the Jaycees, Huelsmann's hobbies include watching college football and cooking.
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Jennifer Jakel, Treasure
Jakel, age 28, is the head women’s golf coach at SIUE and an assistant to financial affairs. 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, Illinois Women’s Golf Association, and the St. Louis Women’s District Golf Association. Jakel joined the Jaycees to build leadership skills and contribute to the community. A member for six years, she has previously held the positions of Secretary, Membership VP, President, Chairman of the Board, and Management VP for the Gateway Region Jaycees. Jakel intends to ensure the fiscal stability of the chapter and to enable the chapter to make informed decisions by providing timely and accurate financial information. Her favorite Jaycee event is also Schweizerfest. Jakel’s interests include golf and volunteering.
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Current & Past Jaycee Presidents
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