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Welcome to Jones Alumni News!!
Brought to you by Friends of Jones
Dear Jones Alumni and Alumni Families,
Greetings from Jones College Prep! Whether you are a Jones College Prep "Eagle" or a Jones Commercial or Jones Metropolitan "Jonesite," we are thrilled to welcome you to our first edition of our alumni newsletter. We hope this newsletter is the start of something great. Our goal is to send this publication three times a year to keep you up-to-date on the highlights of the latest news on campus.
As we build the alumni and friends directory, we also hope to receive updates on personal milestones and professional achievements. After 80 years, we know our alumni and alumni families have a great deal to be proud of, so we hope you'll share your news so we can include it in class notes.
Be sure to also encourage other alums you may know to join the Jones Alumni Network. Have a happy summer!
Alumni Preserving the Past for the Future
The Jones community had much to celebrate this academic year as the school marked its 80th anniversary. A dedicated committee of alumni worked all year long on sorting, cleaning and preserving school photography, yearbooks and memorabilia. The effort was led by Manny Onate, '76. Manny and committee members generously gave their time to help ensure that these special artifacts are preserved for generations to come.
The Tradition of the Theatre Continues
Jones alumni enjoyed a special night on campus this past April for the inaugural Alumni Night at the Theatre in conjunction with the spring musical. Alumni enjoyed a reception and gathering in the North Building and then were treated to the final performance of Heathers -- the Musical in the Robin Bennett Theatre.
Celebrating Eighty Years
 The year culminated at the annual spring gala hosted by Friends of Jones. It was a night of celebration, community, philanthropy and re-connecting with alumni. More than 300 parents, faculty, staff, donors and alumni were able to join in the gala festivities where there was no shortage of bling, glam and spiffy attire. Guests enjoyed a spectacular evening at the Drake Hotel starting with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner, a live auction and plenty of dancing.
Check out more photos from the 80th Anniversary Gala.
Introducing You to Friends of Jones
If your time at Jones predates Jones College Prep, you may not be familiar with the Friends of Jones organization. Friends of Jones (FOJ) was started as a parent group a number of years ago dedicated to supporting Jones College Prep, its educational mission and student life programming.
Friends of Jones members provide an enthusiastic volunteer network for supporting school programming and fundraising efforts throughout the year. This past year, well over 300 parents, guardians and alumni offered their time and professional expertise through their involvement in committee work, serving on the board, volunteering in the school or hosting a special event on campus.
As alumni or parents of alumni, you are part of Friends of Jones. FOJ offers a gateway to staying in touch with other alumni and to keeping up to date with the memorable achievements in the life of the school.
Jones Class of 2018: Soaring to New Adventures
Each year on May 1st, Jones senior class members receive a special Jones cupcake after they have formally indicated their institution of choice. The Class of 2018 is headed toward amazing opportunities and journeys at more than 140 colleges and universities across the country. In addition, Jones seniors were offered more than $30,000,000 in scholarship funds; that's $5,000,000 more than last year! Check out the list of schools our amazing grads will be attending.
FOJ Philanthropy Impacts Every Student...Every Day
Directing the work of Friends of Jones is a volunteer board which reviews grant requests submitted by the administration, faculty and students to fund initiatives not otherwise covered in the operational budget provided by CPS.
Through its collective efforts last year, Friends of Jones raised more than $400,000 through the Annual Fund appeal, sponsorship opportunities, the online auction and our spring gala event. These funds have had an extraordinarily impact on the Jones community, particularly in the last few years when the school and CPS has endured significant budget cuts. FOJ funds have helped provide economic stability for the school and facilitated ongoing investments in much needed materials and programming opportunities.
Investing in Jones
Each year, Friends of Jones partners with the administration to determine the greatest funding needs of the school and to help ensure the greatest impact on the community. Below is a sample of projects Friends of Jones has supported - big and small:
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Underwriting a significant portion of the cost of Jones' freshman summer orientation program, Freshman Connection
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New technology including digital media and computer lab materials and Chromebooks
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Subscriptions to academic resource materials for student research
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Transportation for athletic team travel and performing art ensembles competing in and around the city
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Furniture for common area student spaces
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Start-up and programming funds for student groups (Model UN, Aquarium Club and Best Buddies)
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New choral risers and costumes for Jones Choirs
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Support for juniors and seniors who need help with college application support and graduation costs
Alumni are always welcome to contribute to the Friends of Jones fundraising efforts. If you want to add your support to our Annual Fund efforts, gifts of all sizes are greatly appreciated and contributions can be made by clicking here.
Your generosity is deeply appreciated.
We Want to Hear From You
Please keep us updated on your news, major milestones, professional accomplishments, etc. Send your updates and news to:
alumni@friendsofjones.org
Mark Your Calendars for Fall 2018
Join us for our annual Fall Friendraiser at Buddy Guy's on October 10, 2018. The adults-only event features entertainment from the Jones College Prep band and Buddy Guy musicians as well as a Southern buffet dinner and cash bar. More info, including ticket prices, to come.
The annual Jones 5K Eagle Run and Walk is scheduled for October 21, 2018. Meet new Jones friends, get some exercise and support Jones...what could be better?
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