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JA hosts new member brunch
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Junior Auxiliary welcomes its 2009-2010 Provisional Class. From left (back row) are: Bryn Taylor, Leslie Marshall, Jennifer Wedgworth, Laura Rush, and Mary Jane Collins. Front row: Michelle Brady, Jennifer Jones, Allison Autry, Tracy Bell, and Amy Drummond. Class members not pictured are Lindsey Brown and Rhae Darsey.
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JA President Laura Grice, left, with her mother and Life Member Kay Pearce Dickson at the New Member Brunch. Grice and Dickson are third and second generation JA members respectively, preceded by the late Ella Pearce who served as president in 1944-45.
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On a recent fall day, the chatter of energetic women filled a large banquet room adorned with festive centerpieces at the Central United Methodist Church.
Among this multigenerational crowd of Junior Auxiliary members were 10 newcomers who share the same passion of the existing members — the education and wellbeing of the children of Meridian. These women represent Junior Auxiliary’s (JA) incoming provisional class, and were attending a brunch in their honor. Coming from all walks of life, these dedicated volunteers are making a tremendous commitment to continue the organization’s 60-plus year tradition of service to the children of our community.
JA of Meridian is vibrant and hands-on, aiming to give local children every chance at success. Whether it is reading a bedtime story to a young child at Hope Village, teaching a high school senior the basics of money management, or providing reading glasses to children, these women clock in serious amounts of time to ensure our youth have the tools they need for a productive life.
“When I first learned about JA and all the projects they provide to the community, I knew I wanted to join. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for children, especially those who are less fortunate,” said Jennifer Jones, member of the new provisional class. “I am impressed by how well organized JA is, and by the diversity of its members.”
For the next six months the provisional class will be trainees of the JA program, novices learning the ropes. During this time they will attend chapter meetings and observe each of the chapter’s eight community service projects. As is tradition, the 2009-2010 provisional class will also come up with and provide a service project of their own to the community. Examples of past provisional projects include providing diaper bags and baby supplies for local teen mothers, and teaching health and fitness awareness at the Boys and Girls Club after-school program.
Today’s provisionals will be tomorrow’s leaders in a well-greased machine, thanks to the commitment of members past. The 2009-2010 provisional class will volunteer countless hours for the following five years to continue JA of Meridian’s tradition of service to the children of Lauderdale County. And when their service is completed, they will hopefully lend their learning and expertise to another bright batch of Meridian women here eager to help children in the future.
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