The Jericho Jayhawks Booster Association (JJBA) was founded by nine community members whose children attend Jericho schools and support and/or participate in Jericho school sports.

The mission of the JJBA, which is a non-profit 501 (c ) 3 corporation, is the promotion of school spirit and pride in Jericho's athletic programs and facilities. Members want to ensure that the "Best Schools" label, bestowed on the Jericho school district, applies to athletics as well as its academics.

The JJBA intends to encourage student and community support of Jericho athletics and provide financial support not provided through the normal budgetary process. The JJBA also will award college scholarships to outstanding and deserving senior scholar-athletes who best exemplify the mission of the JJBA. This year's scholar athlete winners, Russell Taft and Jaclyn Murphy each received $1000 and the runner-up, Lukas Piken, received $500 in recognition of their excellent performance in the classroom and on the field.

In addition to college scholarships, the JJBA plans to raise funds to improve Jericho school athletic facilities that are in need of capital improvements. The JJBA hopes to accomplish its goals by leveraging the expertise and resources of individuals, community groups and corporations. Funds will be raised through association membership dues, fundraising events, and generous donations from our local community, parents and businesses.

We want to empower student athletes and promote their interests by providing equipment and facilities that will give our students a competitive advantage, as well as create an atmosphere where pride and winning are celebrated," said Steven Brett, President of the JJBA. "Our vision is to see more athletes pursue their passion of athletics by continuing their sports endeavors in college."

The JJBA members strongly believe that their goals will be shared by the community, and they hope they are right as the success of this organization will be based solely on membership participation and generosity.

You can learn more about the JJBA on www.jerichojayhawkboosteraccoc.org or by calling the JJBA at 297-1472. You can join the JJBA by filling out a registration form which you will find on the website as well.