Serving others is not unusual for the members of the Jasper Jazz drill team, and when not rehearsing or performing, this team has proven their dedication to giving back to their community. 

When these Jasper High School tenth grade students learned about the Living for Zachary 5K Walk that would take place at Southfork Ranch, they were eager to participate.  The girls were able to relate to this cause because Zachary Schrah, a PESH football player, was also in tenth grade when he lost his life to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in 2009.  Almost 40 Jazz members, friends, and family completed the 5K as a part of the Jasper Jazz team, representing one of the largest student groups at the event.   While supporting this benefit, the team increased their awareness of SCA and the importance of echocardiogram testing.

“After participating in the 5K, the team was eager to take on another service project,” stated Diane Goebel, Community Service Chairman for Jasper Jazz Boosters.  “The directors and booster club are very proud of the girls for their commitment to making a difference in the community.”

The girls learned about Collin County’s only homeless shelter, the Samaritan Inn, by volunteering at Friends of the Inn Thrift Center in McKinney.  Over 40 Jasper Jazz members and ten parents gave their time to work a shift at the thrift store. They sorted, organized, and priced donations, prepared receipts, arranged merchandise, and cleaned and organized the store.  The store employees were impressed by the efficiency of the girls, as they were able to complete more tasks than expected during their shifts.  According to one team member, “We worked very hard and had a lot of fun at the same time!”  Prior to their service to the Samaritan Inn, the drill team collected clothing and household items, and they were able to deliver a large quantity of donated items to the store.  The girls felt good knowing that their donations would benefit the shelter residents.

Even when the team gathers to celebrate, they don’t forget those who are less fortunate.  The Jasper Jazz holiday party included a food drive, and a donation of collected food was made to City Missions Food Pantry as a result of this event.

Jasper Jazz benefits from the generosity of businesses and individuals in the Plano community, and giving their time and resources to serve others is just one way they can thank those who have supported their drill team. 

The Jasper Jazz Drill Team is composed of sophomore girls from Jasper High School in Plano, Texas.  Jasper Jazz performs at all home football games for the Jasper Jaguars sophomore football team. The team also performs at some basketball games, events around Plano, and their annual spring show.  The team is made up of nearly fifty team members and managers and is led by director Jen Morrow and assistant director Kathy Conklin.  

Photo Credits: Jasper Jazz Boosters

1 – All Smiles After Volunteering at the Thrift Center:  Front:  Niki Midgley, Olivia Olvera, Meredith Mitchell.  Back:  Hannah Moore, Taylor Newroth, Kelsey Richards, Abby Mott, Courtnee O’Connell, Sarah Hassan.

2 – Arranging Clothing in the Thrift Store:  Stephanie Borg, Andria Belmares, Rachel Connolly.

3 – Organizing Thrift Store Donations:  Paige Collom, Julia Goebel, LaurenBell, Udhaya Aelety.

4 – Walking for Zachary:  Lauren Bell, Mykala Taylor

5 – Enjoying the 5K: Andria Belmares, Hannah Daniels, Cristy Davaloz, 

6 – Team Jasper Jazz at Living For Zachary

Story by Diane Goebel, Jasper Jazz Boosters Publicity