Video: Public School Administrators, Counselors, Make Vital Connections With Junior Auxiliary Members

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A new school year is in full swing throughout Northeast Mississippi. For some parents it is a tough time, as they must try and make sure their children are prepared for classes and extra curricular activities, while also making sure they have household necessities. One civic group is helping meet many needs.

Susan Meredith is a former teacher, but she is still a familiar face at several public school campuses.

“I will be serving Tupelo High School, Tupelo Middle School and Milam,” Meredith said.

Meredith is chairperson of the “School Aid” program. It is one of many initiatives run by the Junior Auxiliary of Tupelo and its goal is to help each child reach his or her full potential.

“Some children just don’t have the resources that others do and for each child to be successful, basic needs need to be met,” she said.

Public School administrators and counselors are invited to the “School Aid” lunch to hear about the services offered by the Junior Auxiliary.

Throughout the year, the Junior Auxiliary helps meet basic wardrobe needs of students through its clothes closet, A weeklong summer camp for girls entering seventh grade is offered to promote positive self esteem and Silent Servings provides lunches for at risk children to take home, over the weekends.

“Being a part of JA has opened all of our eyes, to the need in the community and we were founded in 1939 and the need today is greater than ever,” said Carley Johnston, President of the Junior Auxiliary of Tupelo.

This annual event is more than just a luncheon, it’s an opportunity for those who know the students best to connect with JA members, who are ready and willing to make a difference.

“To know we have a network of women who will come in and help principals and counselors as we are working with children and families, through just life, whether it’s a home that’s burned, or a student that needs a mentor, knowing we have a partner in Junior Auxiliary is so comforting to an administrator,” said Lindsay Brett, principal of Plantersville Middle School.

“We just had a student who , we had our first football game this friday night and Junior Auxiliary provided the cleats for that student to be able to participate in the game,” said Kenya Topps, who is a counselor at Nettleton High School.

J A members believe every child is important, and these connections with public school administrators and counselors impacts thousands of students in the area.
The annual “Charity Ball” is the only fundraiser for the Junior Auxiliary of Tupelo . For more information on the J A go to www.jatupelo.com