by Ifrah Daber

The Jeff Alumni Association was a strong tradition at JHS. Starting in 1994, they were able to raise over $67,000 in scholarships for students that attended and graduated from Jeff. 

The organization was disbanded in 2016, but now, after eight long years, with the help of many, including but not limited to special education coordinator Rebecca Shafer and retired teacher Nancy Molnar, the Jeff Alumni Association has come back with blooming plans for the future. 

The alumni association has many purposes, from funding scholarships to supporting the school and connecting graduating classes. Its goal is to bring connection to the school and community. 

“Our mission is to provide scholarships for graduating seniors, create alumni events that foster connection, and support JHS in meaningful ways. We take great pride in ensuring that the legacy of our alma mater lives on for generations to come,” said Molnar, the coordinator.

There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes; multiple alumni have come together in a united goal, and for the last two years, they have worked diligently and have made many plans for the future. 

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Shafer, the president of the organization. 

Jeff Alumni now has a website created by Nick Stewart and is taking 10-dollar commissions from members that go to scholarships for students likely in the year of 2026.

Another plan that we will possibly see in the future is the “Hall of Flames,” a celebration to honor outstanding alumni, again to show a sense of community and memorialize those who have made a standing difference for the school and community.

This mission is important for many, but specifically for Molner and Shafer due to their long-running connection to Jeff High. Both were students and teachers here at Jeff. 

“Simply put, the love for JHS. It’s in my blood! As a proud graduate, lifelong supporter, and former teacher of 37 years, I have always believed in the power of our alumni community. JHS has shaped so many of us, and now it’s our turn to give back,” said Molnar.

Shafer shared similar emotions over wanting to give back to the school she attended and works at.

“It’s important to give back,” she said. The organization is a nonprofit, meaning that every dollar that they receive is used to benefit the school and students.

Shafer also stated that with how new the organization is and its dependence on funding from donations, its current goal is to get more people involved and aware of their efforts — they’re “just trying to get the word out.”

Alumni interested in joining can go to the website at jeffalumni.com or reach out to Molnar or Shafer.

Molnar best summarized the organization’s goals when she stated, “Our goal is simple: bring Red Devils together, from every generation, so we can keep this incredible school strong. We welcome any alum who wants to join us in making a difference. Once a Red Devil, always a Red Devil!”