HISTORY

The "New" Lamar Jaycees were activated in May 1997 by Colorado JCI Senators, Linda Hawkins, Buck Batman, Leroy Nitsch, and Mitch Moore. A two day recruitment effort resulted in 20 new members. Of those members, Lisa Hawkins was the first president of the revived chapter. Lisa lead the Lamar Jaycees to a Grand Slam (a year-end membership of 120 members),#7 Chapter in the Nation as presented by 1997-98 National President, Eric Seidel, #1 Chapter in Colorado, and a Charles Kulp Memorial Award for herself as an outstanding young president. Lisa went on to serve as the South Region Director for 1999 and implemented three new chapters.

Not only did the Lamartians, as they were called during that first year, make an impression on the State and National organizations, they also managed to implement and assist with several high-impact community projects that are still a part of the Lamar Community today. Following that first whirlwind year, Tanya VanCampen took on the position of President and continued the traditions of excellence. Amy Kouba took the reigns for the year 2000 and once again, the Lamar Jaycees placed #1 in the State of Colorado.

Presently, Todd "Smitty" Smith, and his royal subjects (the power has gone to his head), are actively making an impact in the Lamar community. Whether it's cleaning a section of highway just west of town, planning the Easter Egg Hunt for the children in the community, or celebrating St. Patty's Day, the Lamar Jaycees are a force to be reckoned with.

Projects Making Prowers County A Better Place to Live:

Toys-for-Tots has been rewarded each year by the Colorado Jaycees for its significant impact on Prowers County. Lamar Jaycees spend countless hours raising money (typically between $10,000-$15,000); collecting and cleaning toys; and delivering a full-holiday meal and wrapped toys to over 250 families in Prowers County. Krista Melgoza has been an integral part of the success of this project for the past four years.

Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up was one of the first projects that the Lamar Jaycees took on. Not only does this project advertise a wonderful community organization, it also manages to keep Colorado Beautiful. Whether cheerful, tired, or even hung-over, the Lamar Jaycees keep their section of highway clean, even though they don't have Amber around to supervise anymore.

Christmas Tree Sales assist the chapter with funds necessary to keep up the administrative functions of the chapter and often provide money to community projects as well. Thanks to Jim & Geri Casebolt and their precious daughter Sydney, the Lamar Jaycees have had a 5th Wheel to keep warm and cozy in while they make some hard earned dinero (thats $$$). Getting trees isn't quite as hard as it was that first year, just ask Amy, Smitty, Kris, or Tracy.

In addition to the many Community projects that the Lamar Jaycees participate in, they also actively improve the business and life skills of their membership. In the past few years, Lamar has sent the following individuals to participate in competitions at the National level:

Lisa Hawkins, Armbruster Interviewing --- June 2001
Eduardo Duarte, Write-up Contestant --- June 2001
Sonia O'Bryan, Brownfield Interviewing --- June 1999
Amy Kouba, Jaycee Jeopardy --- January 1999
Amber Pepin, Brownfield Interviewing --- June 1998
Amber & Alexandra Pepin, Mungenast Family of the Year --- June 1998

Outstanding Young Farmer Program - The USJCC Outstanding Young Farmer program strives to acknowledge the hard work of America's young farmers in conjunction with John Deere Corporation. The Lamar Jaycees have been an integral part of this program for the Colorado Jaycees. In each of the past three years, Lamar has assimilated the information necessary to ensure that an outstanding young farmer is recognized at the State and National level. On May 19, 2001, Mr. Tim Hume, a Lamar Jaycee and a farmer from Walsh, Colorado was the recipient of the Outstanding Young Farmer Award.

As you can see by looking at just a few of the projects that have made Lamar a better place to live, the Lamar Jaycees are doing great things. If you are interested in becoming a member of this great organization, please email the Lamar Jaycees at [email protected]