The Junior Auxiliary of Columbus received six National Association of Junior Auxiliaries awards during the Annual Education Conference, which was held in Memphis, Tennessee, from April 26-28.
The “Reality Fair Revamped” project was selected for the Norma De Long Education Award. Reality Fair offers a hands-on opportunity for students to understand better the importance of working hard to maintain academic excellence and to make wise financial choices.
In a mock reality trial, Junior Auxiliary members “pay” students a monthly salary, after taxes, based on their current grade point average. They are provided a checkbook-style ledger to record and balance their monthly expenses and the opportunity to experience lifestyle choices that adults face daily. The Reality Fair project teaches children the importance of financial decisions while members interact with them in a fun and meaningful way.
The “Feed To Succeed” project was selected for the Martha Wise Award. Feed To Succeed was created by the provisional class of 2019-2020, which wanted to expand on the mission of the Junior Auxiliary by ensuring the basic human needs of the children in Lowndes County were being met.
Food is provided monthly by the Mississippi Food Network and is then organized and delivered by chapter members to multiple schools throughout Lowndes County. In addition to supplemental food items, a Thanksgiving Day meal and holiday gifts are also provided to families.
Last academic year, 1,981 food packs were delivered to local children. The JA of Columbus chapter is grateful to be able to provide food to these children in need and, in so doing, help restore joy and confidence in these kids as well as add a sense of assurance and community within the families.
Junior Auxiliary Mentors (JAM) was selected for the Louise Eskrigge Crump Award this year. Established in 1996, JAM is a vital component of the Columbus chapter, providing one child at a time with the opportunity for academic success and instilling the desire to set and accomplish positive life goals.
Each mentor aims to help the children become better readers, but the primary goal is to build a relationship. JA members praise them, encourage them and support them unconditionally. JA members typically spend 45 minutes weekly with each child on the school premises. The JAM year is conducted weekly from October to April.
“Fit & Fabulous Forever (F3)” was the JA project selected for the Wilma Johnson Wilbanks Focus Award. F3 is a project dedicated to targeting childhood obesity, as Mississippi has one of the highest obesity rates in the nation. With a “day fair” set up, members take a hands-on approach to discussing hydration, healthy choices and physical activity with fun and easy ways to stay active. JA members pass out jump ropes for each child as they dance and play activities during their time together.
Next, the Junior Auxiliary of Columbus received The Award of Excellence, acknowledging its excellence in all areas of Junior Auxiliary work.
The Junior Auxiliary was founded on the principles of helping children and making a difference in their lives; it provides women the opportunity to serve and be a vital part of their communities. Junior Auxiliary of Columbus is proud to offer several projects that center around this core mission and many others that focus on healthy lifestyles, anti-bullying and empowering children with disabilities.
Lastly, The Efficiency Award was presented to JA of Columbus in recognition of administrative excellence for the 2023-2024 term.
During the three-day conference, Junior Auxiliary members across seven states gathered for a weekend of educational workshops, seminars, and sisterhood events. On April 27, during the NAJA business meeting, Junior Auxiliary of Columbus Life Member Paige Spears passed her gavel after serving as the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries President for the 2023-2024 term.
“We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts by the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries. From helping meet the clothing and food insecurities within our area to teaching kids simple ways to make healthy choices, our membership has volunteered more than 11,000 hours this past year to better the lives of our community’s children. It is an incredible honor to serve alongside such a wonderful group of ladies, and we look forward to another great year of service in Lowndes County,” said Junior Auxiliary of Columbus President Amy Sumrall.
The Junior Auxiliary of Columbus year spans from May 1 to April 30. This year, JA members turned in over 11,000 hours of service to the children of Lowndes County.
For more information on the Junior Auxiliary of Columbus, visit www.jacolumbus.org.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 38 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.