The City of Jackson Recognizes USJ Lower School students as Hub City Heroes
University School of Jackson Lower School students have been recognized as Hub City Heroes for the month of November.
This year, students of the University School of Jackson made “Gratitude” their focus for the month of November, according to a newsletter sent out to the parents of the school. One way they thought of gratitude was “choosing to appreciate the people and things” in their lives.
“Practicing Gratitude can increase our well-being and our happiness. Gratitude is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Well. Throughout the school, students will be developing skills like emotion regulation, positive self-talk, and stress management,” read the newsletter.
At the end of November, the students participated in their annual Turkey Trot, where each grade level races around the building together and takes class pictures with our blow-up turkey in front of the school.
According to the newsletter, each year students are asked “to raise money for a worthy cause” In this case, Area Relief Ministries (ARM) was selected, and each homeroom class competed to see which class could raise the most money. The students raised just over $6,500.
“I think it’s amazing. We were not expecting it to be that big,” said Sarah Jones, USJ Lower School Counselor. “We talked about it in class, and they really got into it. I am super proud of them.”
Ten of the students (two from each grade 1st–5th), Trace Hayes, Emery Jones, Mary Harbert Alexander, Liam Johns, John Gorman, Molly Gordon Carroll, Forrest Allison, Kate Carver Dorris, Lee Dement, and Shaila Patel, were selected to visit Mayor Scott Conger’s office to be interviewed. These students were selected for going above and beyond in their fundraising efforts.
“I was beyond honored to sit in the room with 10 local heroes representing the entire University School of Jackson Lower School student body,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “The future of the city of Jackson is bright, and I am thankful to these students for their willingness to give back to our community.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts, and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Criteria
- Committed to improving the quality of life of others in Jackson
- Contributes time to community activities in a volunteer capacity
- Serves as a role model and inspiration to others
- Focuses on growth and well-being of the community we serve
- Empowers and engages others to give back
- Demonstrates integrity, collaboration, innovation and respect
Recipients will be selected monthly, and nominations are continuous. To nominate a hero, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov. Candidates must be a resident of Jackson, Tennessee.
After a year of heroes have been recognized, one hero will be selected and awarded $1,000 to donate to a non-profit of their choice. For more information, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov.
