This class has shown dedication to academics, excellence and perseverance. We look around at these seniors and see future teachers, engineers, nurses, business leaders, welders and technology experts. These young people leave JHS with a solid educational foundation to build upon. This community has rallied around our youth to provide quality academics, fine arts, athletics, and beautiful facilities.
Elected Senior Class Officers:
Treasurer: MicahLynn Meyer
Secretary: Grace Neels
Vice President: Liliana Smith
President: Alex Breeze
These students have served as leaders for their peers. They were elected by their classmates to represent their class as a whole. Thank you for your service to JHS.
Jefferson High School Student Council is proud to recognize the senior executive officer for the 2023-24 school year.
President, Elizabeth Dalton. As a member of the student council for four years, Leadership class for three years and Student Council Vice President and current President, Beth has shown her love for JHS every step of the way. Beth has natural leadership qualities and such an inviting personality that draw others to her. Her passion for making her final year at JHS was infectious and her service and leadership will be tremendously missed.
ACCEPTED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
St. Louis University is awarding the University Scholarship to JORDAN BECKER.
The University of Missouri-Columbia is awarding the Mizzou Provost Scholarship Award to PAIGE BEFFA.
The University of Missouri-Columbia is awarding the Curator’s Scholars Award Scholarship to ALEX BREEZE.
Southeast Missouri State University is awarding the Copper Dome Scholarship, the Residence Life Leadership Scholarship, the Residence Life Supplement Award and the Access Missouri Grant to MICHAEL DANIELS.
Southeast Missouri State University is awarding the Copper Dome Scholarship and the Residence Life Leadership Scholarship to AMBER DEGEARE.
Southeast Missouri State University is awarding the President’s Scholarship Finalist Award, the Copper Dome Scholarship and the Residence Life Leadership award to VALERIE DUEPNER.
Webster University is awarding the Webster Blue Academic Scholarship to AJ FIRLE.
Missouri University of Science and Technology is awarding the Groundbreaker Scholarship Package to CLAYTON FOGELBACH.
St. Louis University is awarding the University Scholarship to MARY HOLMES.
Lindenwood University is awarding the Lindenwood University Merit Scholarship to JAY LUTES.
Lindenwood University is awarding the Lindenwood Academic Scholarship and the Lindenwood Archery Athletic Scholarship to MICAHLYNN MEYER.
Southeast Missouri State University is awarding the Residence Life Leadership Scholarship and the Copper Dome Scholarship to GRACE NEELS.
Jefferson College is awarding the George and Thelma Fenwick Sr. Memorial Scholarship to ZOEY NELMS.
Lindenwood University is awarding the Merit Scholarship to PEYTON PERDUN.
Missouri Baptist University is awarding the MBU Stunt Athletic Scholarship to ABIGAIL PETERS.
Missouri Baptist University is awarding the MBU Merit Scholarship and the MBU Thrive Grant to HAILEY PRUITT.
Lindenwood University is awarding the Academic Merit Scholarship and the Lindenwood Shotgun Sports Scholarship to ANNA RAWE.
Missouri University of Science and Technology is awarding the Groundbreaker Scholarship Package to CHRISTOPHER RICHARDSON.
Maryville University is awarding the Saints Scholarship to COLE ROBINSON.
Mission University is awarding an Athletic Baseball Scholarship to MAX SCHNITZLER.
The University of Missouri-Columbia is awarding the Merit from Mizzou Scholarship to LILIANA SMITH.
Southeast Missouri State University is awarding the Copper Dome Scholarship and the Residence Life Leadership Scholarship to MALLORY THOMAS.
Mission University is awarding the Early Completion Scholarship, the Freshman Guarantee Scholarship and an Athletic Baseball Scholarship to KOLE WILLIAMS.
MILITARY RECOGNITION
We would like to recognize our graduate who has enlisted in the military.
Army National Guard: Stephen Burton
LOCAL RECOGNITION AND SCHOLARSHIPS
On behalf of the Buchheits Scholarship committee, we would like to congratulate GRACE NEELS on being awarded a $500 scholarship from Buchheits.
The Amateur Trapshooting Association awards a Trap & Field Journalism Scholarship to shooters who are extremely dedicated to journalism and communications in the shooting sports industry. Congratulations to ANNA RAWE on being awarded this $2,000 scholarship.
The Edwards Family is here to present the Tye and Scott Edwards Scholarship. This scholarship was established in memory of Tye and Scott Edwards. Tye and Scott both attended Jefferson R-7 through 8th grade. They were very involved with our school and community. The Edwards men took great pride in being Blue Jays. The Edwards family has a long standing presence in our school district and they are proud to recognize ALEX BREEZE as the 2024 Tye and Scott Edwards scholarship winner.
The Twin City Optimist holds an essay contest annually and local cash prizes are given. Essay Contest winners from the Class of 2024 were: JAY LUTES, 1st place ($500) and ALYSSA VINCENT, 2nd place. ($250)
The Blue Jay Foundation is pleased to announce that with the money raised through scholarship fundraising events that they are awarding a $300 scholarship. Awards were based upon a student's past and present commitment to provide service to our community and an essay. The recipient of the Blue Jay Foundation Spirit of Community Scholarship is BETH DALTON.
The Blue Jay Foundation and the staff at Jefferson R-7 would like to recognize a student with a $300 scholarship who took advantage of the opportunities JHS has to offer and plans to continue his postsecondary education at State Technical College. This scholarship goes to LOGAN FLECKE.
The Daughters of the American Revolution is an organization of women whose mission is to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Congratulations to ALEX BREEZE for being selected as the JHS DAR Good Citizen Recipient.
Brenda J. Preston was an educator at Jefferson R-7 for over 25 years. She was a 7th & 8th grade math teacher at Danby and later became the counselor, testing coordinator, psych examiner, and special education process coordinator for the entire district. Sadly, she had to take an early retirement from the job she loved due to a medical issue and shortly thereafter passed away. In honor of her memory the Brenda J. Preston Memorial Scholarship was established. This scholarship is represented in our Academic Hall of Fame. The 2024 recipient of the Brenda J. Preston scholarship has been awarded to a student based on her merit, community service and dedication to mentoring others. She plans to attend Jefferson College next fall to pursue a degree in the field of education. BETH DALTON congratulations on earning the 2024 Brenda J. Preston Scholarship.
The English department is pleased to present a scholarship in the amount of $250 to a senior who has excelled in the area of English. This scholarship is possible due to the fundraising efforts of the department, specifically Mrs. Guffey for her hard work organizing the annual Mr. JHS show. This year’s recipient is MARY HOLMES.
Festus-Crystal City Elks Lodge #1721 has awarded the Benevolent and Protective order of Elks of the United States of America scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to MALLORY THOMAS. MALLORY was also awarded the Burger King Scholars award in the amount of $1,000 from the Burger King Foundation.
The American Legion Erman W. Taylor Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $750 has been awarded to CLAIRE BARTON.
The Lyly Koenig Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Lyly Koenig, who LIVED her life without fear, LOVED everyone blessed to know her, and loved to LAUGH. These scholarships were made possible by the support of our community through our Annual Hoops for Hope Event. We are awarding two scholarships in the amount of $500 each to two graduating Jefferson R-VII seniors who have the courage to live, love and laugh. The two recipients of the Lyly Koenig Memorial Scholarship are PAIGE BEFFA and CLAYTON FOGELBACH.
The Jefferson R-7 MSTA and MNEA chapters have established a scholarship fund in an effort to assist JHS students achieve postsecondary goals. These scholarships are in the amount of $500 each and the recipients are VALERIE DUEPNER and ALEX BREEZE.
The JHS Music Boosters Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding senior who has dedicated themselves to the music department in either band, choir or both throughout their high school career. This student is a dedicated member and shows dedication through leadership and commitment to the ensemble. The JHS Music Boosters Scholarship in the amount of $250 is being awarded to MICHAEL DANIELS.
The Heather Schnitzler Pre-K Graduate Scholarship was set up and funded by the proceeds of the Jefferson R-VII School District’s Annual Pink Week Event in Fall of 2022. She wanted some of the funds to go to a scholarship to give back to seniors in the form of a scholarship. The recipient of the Heather Schnitzler Pre-K scholarship is JORDAN BECKER.
The Hoops for Hope Scholarship was created this year after the annual Hoops for Hope Event. The fundraising and support of our community made two scholarships in the amount of $500 possible. The recipients of this scholarship were chosen on their reflection of giving to others, showing gratitude to those around them and their passion to continue in their chosen field of study. The Hoops for Hope Scholarship goes to PAIGE BEFFA and ALEX BREEZE.
The Jefferson R-7 Parent Teacher Organization works incredibly hard throughout the year to raise money that directly benefits our JHS students. Jefferson R-7 PTO will award 4 scholarships in the amount of $500.00 each.
PTO established the Making a Difference scholarship to recognize a JHS graduate with emphasis on Leadership and Civic mindedness. Congratulations MADISON FIRESTINE for being awarded the PTO Making a difference scholarship.
The Blue Jay All the Way Scholarship is designed to recognize students who have attended Jefferson R-7 from kindergarten through the 12th grade. Congratulations to HALEY PRUITT for being awarded the PTO Blue Jay All The Way Scholarship.
The Jo Ellen Murphy Scholarship is awarded to one JHS graduate attending Jefferson College. Congratulations to BETH DALTON for being awarded the PTO Jo Ellen Murphy Scholarship.
The Blue Jay dollar scholarship is symbolic of the money students receive at Telegraph and Plattin to use at the blue jay store. The money that high school graduates need is different from those blue jay dollars but PTO wanted to extend a scholarship to seniors who show financial need. Congratulations MADISON FIRESTINE for being awarded the PTO Blue Jay Dollar Scholarship.
The Debbie Blaha Memorial Scholarship is in memory of Mrs. Debbie Blaha. She was an elementary teacher in the Jefferson R-VII School District for 33 years. She originally worked in the business world when she decided she could do much more to help others reach their goals. Debbie herself was a non-traditional student. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary education with honors. She was hired at Plattin Primary as a first-grade teacher.
Debbie had such a unique personality. She never knew a stranger. No matter what age, many older students, parents, or fellow staff would come to her just to talk or share whatever was on their mind. She would offer her time unselfishly to aid and provide inspiration to work through problems or towards goals. During all those years, she also never hesitated to volunteer for all clubs and organizations at Jefferson, surrounding schools, and community projects. Anywhere there was a need, she would find the time to assist. She truly believed that the best feeling came from the ability to help others.
The Debbie Blaha Memorial Scholarship is for the amount of $1000.00. The scholarship committee was looking for a personable student who wants to make a difference. A student with the ability to inspire, mentor, or volunteer to just be there for others. The recipient of this scholarship goes to ALEX BREEZE.
The High School Scholarship Program for Red Cross Service is sponsored by the Red Cross. This program is available only to high schools which host an American Red Cross blood drive during the school year. JHS hosts three blood drives yearly. Scholarship amounts are based on how many students and community members donate at each drive. So, thank you for supporting our blood drives. The Red Cross scholarships in the amount of $375 are being awarded to CLAYTON FOGELBACH and ALEX BREEZE.
What would it take to change the world? Rotary's 1.2 million members believe it starts with a commitment to Service Above Self. The Festus/Crystal City Rotary Club honors one senior from each local school for each month of the school year. Rotary Senior Students of the Month are nominated and selected by the JHS staff. These students attended the local Twin City Rotary meetings on Tuesdays with a Jefferson administrator at the Festus/Crystal City Elks. These students introduce themselves to the club and share information about future plans and personal challenges over their month-long tenure with Rotary. It is great for students to be exposed to service organizations within our community. The following 2024 graduates were recognized as Rotary students of the month:
September Alex Breeze
October Paige Beffa
November Mya Seek
December Jordan Becker
January Beth Dalton
February Grace Neels
March Liliana Smith
April Valerie Duepner
May AJ Firle
The Festus/Crystal City Rotary also sponsors students from our area to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy. The Academy is designed to identify and enhance the qualities of Servant Leadership for each participant. Students were selected by the staff at Jefferson High School to apply and were selected by the Rotary club to attend RYLA. The Class of 2024 students who attended RYLA are: KOLE WILLIAMS, MYA SEEK and ALEX BREEZE
It is our pleasure to present certificates to the winners of the Shelter Insurance Foundation Scholarships awarded this year at JHS. The winners were selected by an impartial committee who considered academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, moral character, and education goals. These $1,500 Scholarships are made possible by the Shelter Insurance Foundation, a non-profit corporation created for charitable and educational purposes, Kevin Epperson and Ricky Watson, agents for Shelter Insurance Companies. The scholarship winners are:
BENNETT PEMBERTON, MALLORY THOMAS, KOLE WILLIAMS, MICHAHLYNN MEYER, HAILEY PRUITT, and ETHAN SELF
Each year the Twin City Area Optimist Club of Festus/Crystal City celebrates Youth Appreciation Week during the month of April. School districts nominate one senior to represent their graduating class to attend. This student was selected based on personal character and dedication to excellence. Congratulations to ALEX BREEZE on this recognition.
On behalf of the Nagel family we would like to present the Nagel Go Red Healthcare Scholarship. Ashleigh Nagel, a Jefferson High School PE and Health teacher and varsity volleyball coach, suffered sudden cardiac arrest in July 2018. Throughout her recovery there were many levels of healthcare that made a difference everyday to get her to full recovery. With help from the community and donations, the family has established a scholarship that will go to graduating JHS seniors pursuing the healthcare field. This is the 6th year the family has given this scholarship. This year the recipients are PAIGE BEFFA and HAILEY PRUITT.
Nurse Wanager was a school nurse at JHS for several years and prior to that she had been a substitute nurse for the Jefferson R-7 School District. Her love of nursing and her love of the students prompted her to develop a scholarship for students who have a passion and a goal to become a nurse. Nurse Wanager was a nurse for 50 years before retiring. She had always had a desire and a passion to be a nurse from the time she was a young child. She did not want to be just any nurse, she wanted to be the best nurse she could be. Nurse Wanager wants to help a student that is motivated and will complete the nursing program. She is hoping that this $1,000 scholarship will help a student achieve their goal to be a nurse, but not just any nurse, a nurse who is caring and passionate about helping others. After reviewing scholarships, Mrs. Wanager had this to say about the recipient she chose, “Her experienced school performance and desire to administer care to people really impressed me.” The 2024 Nurse Wanager Scholarship is being awarded to PAIGE BEFFA.
STATE RECOGNITION
Missouri Bright Flight is a scholarship and recognition program designed by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to reward students with high ACT scores. Qualifying scores must be in the top 95th percentile of all ACT/SAT scores for the previous year. For the Class of 2024 this score moved to a 31 for Tier 1 - up to a $1,000 scholarship and 32 or higher for Tier 2 - up to a $3,000 scholarship. Our district still recognizes students with a 30 or higher on the Academic Wall. This year, the following students earned a 30 or higher on the ACT.
Students with a score of 30 or higher:
JORDAN BECKER, ALEX BREEZE, and COLE ROBINSON
Missouri American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and Missouri American Legion Boys State are summer leadership opportunities for young women and men who are entering their senior year. Candidates are evaluated on their leadership abilities, interest in government, service to others, and academics. The purpose of this program is to promote pride in America. MYA SEEK, ZOEY NELMS and JADYN MCCARTY served as the representative at Missouri Girls State last summer.
The Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week academic program for 330 of Missouri's gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year in high school. The academy is a residential program at the University of Missouri. The academy reflects Missouri's desire to strive for excellence in education at all levels. JADYN MCCARTY was nominated and selected to attend MSA during the summer of 2023.
The Missouri Scholars 100 is for a select group of Missouri’s most capable high school seniors. Nominated students are recognized for exceptional scholarship, citizenship, and reliability. Jefferson High School’s nominee for the Missouri Scholars 100 was ALEX BREEZE, where he earned the Missouri Scholars 100 Honorable Mention.
ATHLETIC AWARDS
The United States Marine Corps would like to recognize students who have stood out amongst their peers and present them with an award to recognize their dedication. The first award is the Scholastic Excellence Award. This award is meant to recognize superior students who have set themselves apart in both leadership and academics. I would like to recognize MYA SEEK.
The second award is the Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) Award for Musical Excellence. It takes an extraordinary amount of dedication and skill to play a musical instrument well enough to be a member of a high school band or orchestra. Oftentimes, student musicians receive less recognition, as more of the spotlight is on areas of academia or athletics. Music is an integral part of the Marine Corps' rich history and traditions, and we greatly value the contributions musicians make to our service. The Semper Fidelis Award is our way of celebrating the diligence and talent demonstrated by such exceptional young musicians. I would like to recognize AJ FIRLE.
Lastly, the Distinguished Athlete Award. As Marines, physical fitness is essential to our way of life. We understand and appreciate the devotion required to develop superior strength and endurance. We also realize that there is a direct correlation between physical fitness and leadership ability. The Distinguished Athlete Award provides an opportunity for the Marine Corps to recognize those students in our school who have displayed courage, poise, self-confidence, and leadership as members of your school's athletic programs. I would like to recognize PAIGE BEFFA and KOLE WILLIAMS.
The Missouri State High School Activities Association actively promotes Good Sportsmanship throughout all High School Activity Contests. MSHSAA recognizes one female and one male Athlete each from each MSHSAA school for their exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity with the MSHSAA Award of Excellence. The 2024 JHS MSHSAA Award of Excellence recipients are MICAHLYNN MEYER and ALEX BREEZE.
The Heart of the Team Award was created by the Larry Blaha Family as a scholarship to assist student athletes in continuing their education after high school. This is not a senior only award as it is voted on every year by the football team. The team votes for a member of the football team that is viewed by other players as reliable, hard-working, a leader and someone that the team can count on. Each recipient receives a plaque at the football banquet and $500 scholarship from The Blaha Family. This young man was voted by his teammates for two consecutive seasons. The Heart of the Team recipient for the 2022 and 2023 football season and earning a $1,000 scholarship is MIKEY FRISK.
The Robert "Popeye" Duren Memorial Scholarship is given in honor of Popeye's long history within the R-7 community. Mr. Duren grew up in the district and raised his family here. He spent his life sharing with adults and youth alike about our community. Popeye was an outdoorsman that loved to hunt, fish and trap as well as the shooting sports. He presented his pelts from trapping for countless years at Telegraph Intermediate during the annual Missouri Day events. Seniors must be a part of the Archery Team for a minimum of 2 years and during their senior year. The Duren family is presenting 2 - $500 scholarships this year to MICAHLYNN MEYER and ANNA RAWE.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete Award is given to one senior who excels both in the classroom and in athletics. The student must be in the top 25% of the senior class academically and also play at least one Varsity sport. This year's St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete Award winner is ALEX BREEZE.
JHS experienced a successful year in all of its athletic programs this school year. The class of 2024 played a huge role in many of our accomplishments. The Jefferson High School Senior Athlete Award is voted on by all the Varsity Coaches at JHS. This award is given to one male and one female of the senior class. The Athletic Department is awarding a $500 scholarship to each winner. The female senior Athlete Award goes to GRACE NEELS and the male senior Athlete Award goes to NATE BREEZE.
DEPARTMENT AWARDS
Jefferson High School department awards are given out to the most outstanding student in that department. Students will be recognized for their efforts in that particular subject over the course of their high school career.
Art - Madison Firestine
Madison is a naturally talented artist with a strong work ethic. She is a creative thinker with an eye for details. Madison has the ability to draw on her own experience and observations to develop conceptual pieces of artwork. Madison has a very methodical, creative process, and she always develops her concepts thoughtfully. In addition, her skills of craftsmanship are highly developed. Madison has become a leader in the fine arts not only because of her technical skills, but also her desire to help others.
Band - AJ Firle
During AJ’s 4 years in the band program, AJ has earned more letter points than any other student.
Business - Mya Seek
Mya’s knowledge, insight and eagerness to learn about the various fields of business has built a strong foundation for her as she enters her next stage of education and as she starts her future career.
Choir - Jadyn McCarty
Jadyn has been a strong member of the JHS Concert Choir for all 4 years of high school. She has auditioned and was selected for the 2023-24 East Central MMEA All-District High School Honor Choir. She served on the leadership team for choir and has acted as section leader. She is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
English - Mary Holmes
The English department is proud to nominate Mary Holmes for the 2024 English department award. Mary Is an avid writer, a prolific reader and an overall lover of books. We wish Mary the best of luck at St. Louis University next year where she plans to pursue a degree in Forensic Science.
Family Consumer Sciences - Chloe Chotrow
Chloe is a leader among her peers in all of the Family Consumer Science courses she has taken. She is always respectful, honest, organized and is always willing to help.
Industrial Technology - Jacob Doza
Jacob has been very helpful this school year. He has tackled multiple projects for the school and various organizations within the school. He shows up ready to work and has a positive attitude every day.
Math - Zoey Nelms
Zoey Nelms has committed herself to the highest level of education of mathematics in her time at JHS, successfully completing all classes through Calculus I. She has been motivated to obtain a deep knowledge of the material and possesses a great mind for problem-solving. Zoey has a strong aptitude with all things math related and has achieved extremely high levels in her courses and on the ACT.
PE - Kole Williams
This year's physical education department award goes to Kole Williams. In his strength & conditioning classes, Kole has increased his max every quarter. He takes his time in the weight room seriously and it has paid off for him in his athletics as well. He is a great leader and role model for the younger students in his class and helps show them how to do it the right way. Kole also had above 95% attendance for summer weights. He is a determined hard working individual who is so much fun to be around.
Science - Clayton Fogelbach
Clayton consistently challenged himself by taking honors, AP, and dual credit science courses while at JHS. Throughout his entire time at JHS he has always shown a keen interest in the sciences, and plans to pursue a career as an engineer.
Social Studies - Paige Beffa
Paige was attentive and had a great understanding of the topics. Paige was a leader in class and always brought thoughtful discussions to the room. She showed mastery in a variety of events presented in the Social Studies curriculum.
Theater - Jay Lutes
Jay has grown over his years in theater both academically and in performance. If there is a SOAR or Take Flight Award for theater He would be my nominee for most gains academically, socially and theatrically.
World Language - Cole Robinson
Cole finished all the way through Spanish 3 which very few people did and was always prompt with his work.
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Earning the A+ scholarship is a 4 year experience for students. 95% attendance, 2.5 GPA, good citizenship capped off by a valuable tutoring experience here in our district. These students have done everything from help kindergarteners read to helping freshmen with Algebra. This program helps thousands of students get their Associate's Degree. The 2024 JHS graduates meeting the A+ requirements are:
Riley Adams, Claire Barton, Paige Beffa, Rylee Bellon, Alex Breeze, Nate Breeze, Savannah Brown, Brandon Burford, Landon Clayton, Beth Dalton, Michael Daniels, Jacob Doza, Valerie Duepner, Heidi Earls, Marissa Fasnut, Madison Firestine, Logan Flecke, Clayton Fogelbach, Jodie Forister, Mikey Frisk, Garrett Lalumondier, Jadyn McCarty, MichaLynn Meyer, Grace Neels, Zoey Nelms, Bennett Pemberton, Gwen Percy, Danielle Peterein, Hailey Pruitt, Ella Pullen, Christopher Richardson, Mya Seek, Ethan Self, Liliana Smith, Levi Stokes, Ian Strohmeier, Mallory Thomas, Alyssa Vincent, Kaleb Weiler, Coben Whitener, Kole Williams, and Madyson Young.
JHS Students are recognized for their academic performance by earning an Academic Letter. This award is issued after 2 consecutive years of high school coursework earning a 3.0 cumulative GPA and earning no grade lower than a C. These students must also maintain good citizenship and show good character. Congratulations to the following students for earning an Academic letter.
Claire Barton, Jordan Becker, Paige Beffa, Rylee Bellon, Alex Breeze, Nate Breeze, Savannah Brown, Brandon Burford, Michael Daniels, Amber DeGeare, Valerie Duepner, Heidi Earls, AJ Firle, Clayton Fogelbach, Mary Holmes, Garrett Lalumondier, Jadyn McCarty, MicahLynn Meyer, Grace Neels, Bennett Pemberton, Gwen Percy, Peyton Perdun, Danielle Peterein, Hailey Pruitt, Ella Pullen, Anna Rawe, Christopher Richardson, Cole Robinson, Mya Seek, Liliana Smith, Levi Stokes, Mallory Thomas, Coben Whitener, and Madyson Young.
Jefferson High School recognizes students who complete college preparatory coursework, maintain good citizenship, have 95% attendance over 4 years of high school and score at or above the 2023 state average on the ACT. College Preparatory work includes 2 years of foreign language and 2 or more core subject electives along with 4 units of math credit. These students must also maintain a 3.0 GPA in English, Math, Science and Social Studies core classes. The following students have met all of the requirements to earn the JHS College Prep Certificate.
Jordan Becker, Alexander Breeze, Michael Daniels, Valerie Duepner, Clayton Fogelbach, Mary Holmes, Garrett Lalumondier, Jadyn McCarty, Zoey Nelms, Bennett Pemberton, Danielle Peterein, Hailey Pruitt, Christopher Richardson, Cole Robinson, Levi Stokes, Ian Strohmeier, and Mallory Thomas.
In the Fall of 2017 we had our first cohort take part in a College Accelerated Program. Two programs were offered. This is the 7th graduating class with students who will complete the Associates of Arts Degree Program on the Jefferson College campus and the Core 42 hour Program that was offered through online and in person classes here at Jefferson. These students took classes over the summer after their sophomore year and junior year, they had to be self-motivated, adaptable and independent to be able to juggle these programs while being active in extracurricular activities as well as maintaining part time jobs. At this time we would like to recognize the student who has completed the Early College 42 hour Program with a minimum of 42 core college credit hours. Congratulations to ALEX BREEZE for this accomplishment.
The following three students will be receiving their Associate of Arts Degrees as well as their high school diplomas this spring. HAILEY PRUITT, MALLORY THOMAS, and JORDAN BECKER.
National Honor Society is an elite recognition program open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The first requirement is to maintain high academic excellence earning a 3.4 or higher Cumulative Grade Point Average. Once students have sustained adequate academic achievements they are asked to apply for consideration into the program. This application process heavily scrutinizes the student’s character, leadership, and service. Once inducted students must maintain high academic, leadership, character, and service standards. The following students have met these requirements.
National Honor Society Officers
President - Paige Beffa
Vice President - Haley Pruitt
Secretary - Anna Rawe
Members: 17
Claire Barton, Jordan Becker, Paige Beffa, Alex Breeze, Nate Breeze, Michael Daniels, Amber DeGeare, Valerie Duepner, Clayton Fogelbach, MicahLynn Meyer, Grace Neels, Peyton Perdun, Hailey Pruitt, Ella Pullen, Anna Rawe, Mya Seek, and Liliana Smith.
The following seniors have spent countless hours of time, dedication, and commitment to serving the school and community through their musical endeavors. They are recognized with a pink cord to honor their dedication and efforts within the music department.
Abigail Peters, Laney Sanford, Bradley Griffin, Logan Flecke, Ryan Ruble, and Stephen Burton.
The following students will receive a pink cord and are also members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Tri-M is a high school music honor society and is a program of the National Association for Music Education. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements and to provide leadership and service opportunities to young musicians. To be eligible for membership, a student must maintain an A average in their music classes, a B average in all of their academic courses, be presently enrolled in a music course at their school, and be recommended for membership by their school's music faculty.
Michael Daniels, Jadyn McCarty, AJ Firle, Kyle Ruble , and Zoey Nelms.
The Area Technical School is recognizing students who have completed an ATS program with a dark green cord to be worn at graduation. Congratulations to the following 2024 ATS Program Completers:
Jordan Becker - Biomedical Science
Paige Beffa - Health Services
Gunnor Bennett - HVAC
Savannah Brown - Early Childhood Education
Stephen Burton - Metal Fabrication
Landon Clayton - Building Repair Technology
Tony Cook - Building Repair Technology
Devin Dawson - Building Repair Technology
Mikey Frisk - Residential Carpentry
Carter Krodinger - Building Repair Technology
Jesse McClung - Building Repair Technology
Ella Pullen - Health Services
Laney Sanford - Biomedical Science
Kole Williams - Welding
Students who attend the Area Technical School and meet certain criteria may be eligible to apply for membership into the National Technical Honor Society. Students who have a minimum of a 3.5 gpa at the ATS and a 3.0 gpa from their high school with a recommendation are considered. This year we have two seniors who applied and have earned this honor. Congratulations to PAIGE BEFFA and JORDAN BECKER on their inductions into the NTHS.
The 98th Missouri General Assembly passed legislation in 2016 which required the State Board of Education, in consultation with the Career Technical Education Advisory Council, to establish minimum requirements for a (CTE) certificate a student can earn in addition to his or her high school graduation diploma. The requirements set forth by the State Board of Education are intended to provide students with the necessary technical and employability skills to be prepared for an entry-level career or additional training in a technical field. Students must meet all requirements in order to receive the CTE certificate. This student has met all of the requirements to earn a CTE Certificate. SAVANNAH BROWN.
Through the ATS program, seniors complete the ACT WorkKeys program. ACT Workkeys is a system of assessments, curriculum and skills profiling that determine, build, and measure essential workplace skills that can affect your job performance and increase opportunities for career changes and advancement. The WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate measures and certifies the essential work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations. The WorkKeys NCRC is issued at four levels; Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Our seniors earning an ACT Workkeys NCRC are:
STEPHEN BURTON - GOLD LEVEL CERTIFICATION
GUNNOR BENNET - SILVER LEVEL CERTIFICATION
KOLE WILLIAMS - BRONZE LEVEL CERTIFICATION
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education invites public school officials to honor Missouri’s outstanding high school seniors by presenting them with the George Washington Carver Award. This recognition is given to the top 10 percent of each high school’s graduating class. We are proud to recognize the JHS 2024 top 10% in alphabetical order.
Michael Daniels, Valerie Duepner, AJ Firle, Clayton Fogelbach, Mary Holmes, Peyton Perdun, Hailey Pruitt, Cole Robinson, Mya Seek, and Liliana Smith.
Jefferson High School does not honor a valedictorian or salutatorian. It was a collective decision by our school community to honor as many graduates as possible as well as allowing students to excel in multiple subject areas. JHS uses the cum laude system and we take great pride in honoring the following students. Each category is in alphabetical order.
Cum Laude meaning with Honors, earning a 3.0-3.59 GPA is represented by a PLATINUM CORD
Riley Adams, Jordan Becker, Rylee Bellon, Savannah Brown, Brandon Burford, Landon Clayton, Elizabeth Dalton, Devon Dawson, Amber DeGeare, Jacob Doza, Madison Firestine, Jodie Forister, Logan Flecke, Carter Krodinger, Garrett Lalumondier, MicahLynn Meyer, Grace Neels, Zoey Nelms, Bennett Pemberton, Gwen Percy, Danielle Peterein, Ella Pullen, Ryan Ruble, Kyle Ruble, Ethan Self, Levi Stokes, Ian Strohmeier, Mallory Thomas, Kaleb Weiler, Coben Whitener, Nevaya Whitener, Kole Williams, and Madyson Young.
Magna Cum Laude meaning with Great Honor, earning a 3.6-3.99 GPA is represented by a BLACK CORD
Claire Barton, Paige Beffa, Alex Breeze, Nate Breeze, Michael Daniels, Valerie Duepner, Heidi Earls, AJ Firle, Clayton Fogelbach, Mary Holmes, Jadyn McCarty, Peyton Perdun, Hailey Pruitt, Anna Rawe, Christopher Richardson, Cole Robinson, Mya Seek, and Liliana Smith.
The Jefferson High School Class of 2024 has earned $689,900 in scholarships awarded for their first year of college and if the students are qualified to renew their scholarships they could earn an additional $1,110,150 throughout the next three years. In addition, these graduating seniors also take with them 847 college credit hours! Without a doubt these students have laid the foundation for the Blue Jays who follow. As these young men and women leave this high school they take with them an outstanding foundation built on strong community values and expectations. The Jefferson R-7 Community is vested in our children and we take pride in guiding them from kindergarten through high school graduation. The graduates who came before the class of 2024 made a path for these students.