A community service project was recently undertaken by West Plains High School students in the high school and Zizzer Pride Academy Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program, funded by a grant from Missouri First Lady Teresa Parson, a well-known supporter of the JAG program. The students used the grant money to purchase fleece fabric, then made knotted fleece blankets that were donated to the 37th Judicial Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to be included in Easter baskets that were given by CASA volunteers to the children they advocate for. Standing at far left is local CASA Executive Director Connie Pendergrass, and standing at far right is West Plains High School JAG Specialist Joan Dietrich.
West Plains High School Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Specialist Joan Dietrich has announced the high school and Zizzer Pride Academy JAG has received a grant from Missouri First Lady Teresa Parson, used for a community service project of the student's choosing.
"It is with great appreciation that the West Plains High School and Zizzer Pride Academy JAG students share the joy they had in giving back," Dietrich said.
"Due to the generous funds provided through the First Lady Grant, my students were able to choose a community service project that was very dear to their hearts. Upon the opportunity to apply for the grant, West Plains JAG students immediately knew they wanted to make knot blankets to give to the children of the 37th Judicial Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)," she added.
To facilitate the project, JAG officers contacted local CASA Executive Director Connie Pendergrass. She suggested March would be a perfect time to make the blankets, Dietrich said, because CASA volunteers would love to distribute the blankets in the children’s Easter baskets.
Six JAG students joined Dietrich in buying $334.35 in material. "The students took great pride in choosing patterns and colors that they thought would be fitting for each age group," she said. "
They thought about the size of the blanket they wanted the children to have and purchased the material accordingly. Patterns of dinosaurs and unicorns, puppies, the Kansas City Chiefs, and camouflage were some of the favorites. This was a day of joy for our students."
JAG student Kayudence Schoffstall shared, “I am grateful for the opportunity to make blankets for children in need. My hope is that our efforts will bring a smile to their faces.”
All JAG classes happily joined in making the blankets with an assembly line of talent at work, Dietrich explained.
For three days, for a couple of hours per day, students meticulously laid out the material, cut, and perfectly tied, she added. "They worked in teams of three and four and felt so needed. Many said it was their favorite days of the year.
“Having the opportunity to be able to create the CASA blankets was so important," JAG senior Kenzie Sandgren said. "Not only did it give us an educational and creative experience, we as a class had the opportunity to help impact and support our community by showing our love and kindness for the kids.” Nineteen blankets were delivered to CASA through Pendergrass, and CASA volunteers arrived that evening to choose the blanket for each of the children they assist.
“The blankets flew off the table with great joy as they so happily chose," Pendergrass said. "The blankets were a huge hit and we would love to have JAG partner with us again.”
CASA volunteer Debra Petitt mailed a thank you note to the students sharing that she visited five children on March 26 and gave a blanket to each. She said in her note, “The children were so happy to receive the blankets. Please know, JAG students, YOU are making a difference!”
Understandably, our JAG students will never meet face to face with the children who received the blankets, but the students know in their hearts the need for these children to feel loved and secure, Dietrich said.
