Post Release: Venice High School Jackets Of Excellence Awards

Press release from the Venice Chamber of Commerce:

December 15, 2020

The annual Jackets of Excellence program, also known as JOE, was started in 1984. Since then, a total of 1,588 jackets have been awarded, including 87 awarded in this last year.

Seniors who have attended Venice High for four years are awarded jackets for academic excellence much like athletes are awarded letter jackets for sports superiority. To qualify for a jacket a senior must maintain a 3.75 GPA for six semesters and meet the behavior and attendance components. These last years have been most challenging with construction pervading the campus for four years as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Our JOE students have prevailed over the rubble and debris of construction and now the teaching of classes in virtual classrooms, and still, they excel with the numbers continuing to rise . . .last year 87 students qualified for the Jackets of Excellence.

The JOE program continues the Venice tradition by the tireless efforts of staff, retired teachers, and the community working together. Dr. Renysha Scott, Venice College Counselor, coordinated the committee this year on Zoom with the assistance of Lakisha Clark, Venice APSCS.

An important component, financing, is obtained through the Venice Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club contacting local businesses. Also, retired teachers join in supporting the students’ achievement with donations.

In past years, a luncheon was held to award the jackets, but this year was held in December with a virtual award ceremony on video. Each student was assigned a date/time, observing social distance protocols, in early December to pick up their jacket, along with certificates from the city, and have their picture taken. School staff had also prepared a photo showing the student in their jackets as well as including the college the student is planning to attend. These were combined for the virtual video presentation for the students and parents.

Help keep the JOE Venice High tradition alive by joining others and mailing your donation check to the Venice Alumni Association at 2435 Walgrove Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90066 so that a tally may be kept of your participation.

Go Gondos . . .Rowing Not Drifting

Submitted by Sharon Gebhart

This press release was produced by the Venice Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed are the author's own.