President-Audrey Dawson
Secretary-Miara Arnold
Treasurer-Kristina White
Parliamentarian-LaKendra Jackson
Chaplain-Darren Thompson
Hello Marching Tiger Alumni. Once again, we had another
great homecoming and came together to enjoy time with fellow alumni. Now that
homecoming is over we are back to focusing on moving forward, growing, and
building MTA.
Of importance right now: changing the atmosphere of MTA,
distinguishing financial (or active members), and non-financial (or inactive
members), homecoming protocol, and a possible 10-year MTA homecoming reunion
celebration next year. This information is for the entire general body, and particularly
to those who don’t stay connected to MTA throughout the year and only appear at
homecoming.
So, as we move forward, there are some changes that will be
implemented and important information that you need to know. Below is a summarized
version of these things:
Changes
The most important thing that will be implemented this year
is changing the atmosphere of MTA. For nine years we've come together to
celebrate homecoming and we've been able to come together with fellow alumni to
have fun at the game. Those nine years served its purpose, but now, as we move
forward to be an active organization, one that will be a support system for the
Marching Tiger Band, Mr. Redding, and his staff, the "homecoming
only", "t-shirt wearing only" mentality can't be a part of MTA
anymore. This is mainly for those who aren’t connected with MTA throughout the
year, are only seen at homecoming, and aren't active beyond that.
Financial (or
active members)
You are considered a financial (active) member of Marching
Tiger Alumni once you have paid your dues. Currently, there are 30 financial
members of MTA. Everyone still has an opportunity to make a $10 contribution to
MTA. You can make your contribution online at: http://jhsmarchingtigeralumni.blogspot.com/p/membership-information.html
or by contacting Kristina White at MTAmembership@yahoo.com
for in-person payments. This contribution is considered dues and will make you
a financial member of MTA.
Non-financial (or
inactive members)
You are considered a non-financial (inactive) member of
Marching Tiger Alumni if you have not paid your dues, or are not a current financial member of MTA. Non-financial
members are considered a part of the general body with no rights or benefits of
MTA [*Benefits will be posted soon].
[Note: Dues will be
used for the general operation of MTA, scholarships, and financial assistance
to the Marching Tiger Band.]
Homecoming
Protocol
One of the things that will be enforced next year, and in
the following years, is the requirement to wear MTA shirts to the homecoming
game in order to be able to participate or join other alumni members in the
area where we gather. This isn't just a rule/requirement from me, it's from the
principal and staff at Jones. It's been in place since 2011. For the most part
alumni have been purchasing shirts which has given them access to the alumni
area for homecoming. But there are those who aren't in the loop, who come to
the games in plain clothes under the assumption that they can hang out in the
same area as other alumni. From this point forward, I have to enforce the
requirement that all alumni members who want to be in the alumni section must
have on an alumni shirt.
10-year Homecoming
Reunion
Next year will mark 10 years since we came together for our
first Marching Tiger Alumni Reunion. I would like to commemorate this great
occasion during homecoming next year. I have some ideas in mind but it will
truly depend on the interest and participation of MTA. Before I share my ideas,
I'm going to present them to the Executive Board so we can discuss them. Once
we've discussed them, I will present them to you.
This is all for now. You will be updated with information
for the general body as things are finalized (updates will not always be this
lengthy). If you have any questions, you can contact me at marchingtigeralumni@yahoo.com.
In Marching Tiger Spirit,
Audrey D. Dawson
