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Liv Lacy (’26), Kiarra Peet (‘25), and Bryce Gentry (‘24) serve up warm, delicious pancakes on Club Interact’s Pancake Day. Paired with the Jackson Rotary Club, JHS students in Club Interact get the opportunity to give back to their community.
Photo by Gabby Becerril
Strive to Serve
JHS students reflect on serving community through volunteering
By: Caroline Bartels
In a recent study by the University of Nevada, it was found that 59% of American teenagers ages 14-18 volunteered last year at least 3.5 hours a week, compared to only 39% of adults. Teenagers have the power to make a difference in the community, and all it takes is a little generosity, effort, and determination.
Students of all grade levels at Jackson High School can see their hard work come to fruition through volunteer work within the community.
“I think many people should volunteer, it is a good way to help and grow the community, and it is a way to show kindness,” senior Ava Briner states, “Plus when everyone helps out, things get done quicker, and more efficiently.”
Volunteering helps out so much, even in what looks like minuscule ways, it adds up to create something bigger. But the community isn’t the only thing that reaps the benefits.
“I enjoy volunteering a lot. Not only does it help our people and environment, it also motivates me and makes me feel like a better person,” stated senior Elayna Gilbertson.
It has been up for debate at JHS if a certain number of hours of service should be required to graduate. Many disagree with this policy.
“While I understand the intent, some people are busy planning their lives out. With jobs and extracurricular activities, I can understand people getting too busy to be able to volunteer,” said Gilbertson.
Gilbertson is not the only student to feel this way. Many believe that it takes away from the aspect of actually volunteering their time, instead of being ‘voluntold’.
“I believe volunteering is important, but those with busy schedules may have a harder time fitting tons of hours of volunteer work into their schedule, which would be unfair to them. Volunteering should be fun, not something kids are forced to do to graduate,” stated sophomore Caelyn Crittenden.
Whether it’s picking up trash, helping at a soup kitchen, or even just helping to set up a club event, volunteering is all about serving others over ourselves, required or not.
Recycling and Litter in JHS
Teacher and students' insight on Litter and recycling
By: Ryan Larry
People see litter every day if they’re out and about. But litter is a problem and always has been, but JHS students will give insight into their opinions and feelings on litter When most students are questioned how they see littering as a problem, a majority said,
“That it’s a huge problem that needs more attention.” " half of the student body said.
The other half of the students only saw it as a mild problem that could only use a little more attention, but not one student said it wasn’t a problem at all.
Abigail Beckwith, a teacher at JHS, is a lot more familiar with the problem as she deals with it daily.
“Penazilation through law and persuasive speeches to influence people to start taking action to pick up litter they see actively.” When asked how she would solve the prolonged problem Beckwirth stated.
“It’s 30% people who pretend they don’t do it on purpose but will drop a cup or something out the window and act innocent, and other people will just drop something on the side of the road without a second thought,”
Beckwith stated where she believes litter resides from.
Even though most people say they see litter as a problem, they don’t always act the same when they see a pile or could actually spend time contributing against it. Many people were asked if they would spend time picking up a large pile of plastic to help the community. Fifty-one % said they would contribute a little bit and then be on their way and the other smaller portion of people said they would help clean it completely, although 7% still said they wouldn’t spend any time regardless. When students were asked about where all this litter came from and how they would solve it, One stood out the most to me.
“I think people and factories are the main cause, I think that people don't understand the effects of littering and how it truly does damage the world and everyone who lives on it. I think a way we can fix the problem is if we create more awareness and how badly it affects the Earth. Maybe even do a peaceful protest to spread awareness.” This student stated
A majority of people see litter as a problem and a problem that is not actively dealt with and builds up. They say we should spend more time and action dealing with litter through recycling, programs, and speeches “I believe that if we can do all this, we will gain more pride in our community.”
Dresses For Dances
Becca’s Closet gives away dresses and accessories for girls everywhere.
By: Salem Haugh
Homecoming, Silver Arrow, Prom, and other dances can sometimes feel like the most important thing in any person’s life, especially for teenage girls.
A poll taken by 185 JHS students revealed that 48.6% spend $0-$100 on dresses, 40% spend $100-$200 on dresses, 17.8% spend $200-$300, 8.1% spend $300-$400, 5.9% spend $400-$500, and 4.3% spend over $500. The rest either borrow or don’t buy dresses. For the majority of students, cost is a consideration and they try to economize.
With the prices of everything continuing to rise, Becca’s Closet has stepped up to remove the costs of dresses and accessories for girls all across Jackson and Cape.
Brenda Randolph has been volunteering at Becca’s Closet, a chapter of SEMO Prom Mothers, for around 20 years as a mission and loves seeing the joy on girls’ faces.
“Well, to me it is a mission and it’s about giving and it’s about seeing girls get their special dress for their special dance. I lived in an isolated area and it was a two-hour drive to get a dress,” Randolph said.
Becca’s Closet has grown tremendously over the years and they hope to continue growing and giving to the community.
“Last fall we gave out our 1000th dress since 2017 and the numbers keep rising. We gave away 258 dresses last year. This year we’ve given out around 100 dresses 60 for homecoming and 30 for winter ball,” Randolph stated.
Now, Becca’s Closet isn’t only stationed in Jackson, but all over America since its creation in 2003.
“Becca’s Closet was made in memory and legacy of the Kurtman family’s daughter, Rebecca who died in a car accident,” Randolph said.
Rebecca’s legacy has left a lasting effect on many girls around. The non-profit organization has many ways of getting dresses for girls that brighten their lives.
“We have three ways. Becca’s closet has access to manufacturers when they have extras—local donations. If we get monetary donations, we look at our racks and then go out to buy things we’re missing, specifically plus sizes,” Randolph explained.
Every girl deserves the dress of her dreams, even if they don’t have the money to buy it. The noble service that this organization provides is for anyone and everyone.
“If any girl out there hears about it and needs it, I hope she comes over. All the girl needs is a school ID,” Randolph happily said.
Volunteers celebrate open house at Becca's Closet