CAMPUS VIEW: J.A.M. IS MOTIVATING KIDS TO BE BETTER PEOPLE

J.A.M. stands for Jackson Acting Motivators. The main objective of J.A.M. is to write, rehearse, and then perform skits for area schools. Our skits not only discourage drug and alcohol use but also help build self-esteem and encourage individuality and creativity.

Our sponsor this year is Mrs. Joyce Schroeder and our Officers are Mary Bono, president; Deanna Kinder, vice president; David Wilkinson, secretary; and Shannon Rhodes, historian. Each has brought their own little bit of flair and originality to the Club.

We have started off this school year with a bang. There are four separate skits that currently represent J.A.M. at area schools. The "Army" skit involves a group of soldiers, one who marches to his own drummer, and a drill instructor who is recruiting soldiers for his drug-fighting army. Eventually the oddball soldier is recruited. Even though he states them a little differently, his morals are on target.

There are also quite a few members this year who are motivated to write skits, which is an interesting change of pace. Jessica Brown, a highly-motivated sophomore, wrote a skit about drug addiction involving the adorable cartoon characters, The Animaniacs.

I would also like to make the point that J.A.M. doesn't do typical skits about drugs and alcohol. One of our past skits was a powerful story about a teenage girl struggling with an eating disorder. Last school year a group introduced a very moving rendition of a boy battling to break the cycle of alcoholism and physical abuse that was continually passed down through his family. At this moment, I am in the process of writing a long awaited skit about divorce.

J.A.M. is about much more than drug and alcohol abuse skits. We are able to reach students on a more personal level. When J.A.M. goes to a school to perform, we not only perform the rehearsed skit, but also talk to the students one-on-one about personal experiences. One of the favorite parts of the presentation for our audience is the chance to throw impromptu topics at the J.A.M. members for us to act out. All this requires a talented group of actors and actresses, which J.A.M. is so lucky to have this year.

J.A.M. has started off the 1999-2000 school year strong, and I believe will end even stronger. Each member should pat themselves on the back for putting so much time and effort into setting an example for younger kids.

Mary Bono, a senior at JHS and president of J.A.M., is the daughter of Jeff and Karen Preusser of Jackson.