Arlington News, April 16, 2003
Junior Directors play crucial "behind the scenes" role
The Upper Arlington Civic Association's Junior Director program is a unique opportunity "for high school seniors to have fun and help out their community. The UACA sponsors the program and currently is accepting applicants for next year's program.
Applying for the position involves a careful selection process which is comprised of an application and interview. After being chosen, junior directors help out in various UACA functions throughout the year.
"We get a lot of satisfaction out of helping the community," said UA senior Charlie Adams, a current junior director.
Last year for the Fourth of July alone, junior directors painted stars on the pavement before the parade, set up the fireworks area, helped families find seats for the parade and rode around on a float. "In almost every event we put on we ask the directors to participate," said program leader Judy McMillan.
In addition to the Fourth of July junior directors have done some door-to-door fund-raising in The Walk and are involved in events such as Memorial Day, Easter activities, Civic Pride Day and Labor-Neighbor Day. "These are all great activities for the whole community' " said Adams. "We all had a great time participating."
According to McMillan, the junior directors evolved from the Miss Arlington program a couple of years ago. The program changed so that junior directors can be male or female students, as long as they live in Upper Arlington.
Last year 10 directors were chosen out of about 40 applicants. Each year those chosen are awarded a $1,000 scholarship for their future education.
Current junior director Ross Magnum said that in addition to being involved with the community, the program helped him get closer to students in his class who he'd never really known before. "The program lets you get to know new people in a different atmosphere," he said. "Now we all say 'Hi' in the hallway and have become good friends."
Besides making new friends, junior directors help out the UACA in many different ways. Last year for Halloween, students helped create and decorate the haunted house and then helped usher children through it so they wouldn't get scared.
"There's a lot of focus on the kids," Magnum said. "We work with them non-stop." In addition to Halloween, junior directors acted as Santa's elves at Christmas time. They helped kids get into sleighs, handed out gifts and gave Santa some insider information on what the kids wanted for Christmas.
"A lot of what we do is behind the scenes, too," said Adams. "We try to solve problems and make things run smoother."
It doesn't matter which high school prospective directors attend, as long as they live in Upper Arlington and will be seniors during the 2003-04 school year. Students from Watterson, Wellington and other private schools are welcome to apply.
Applicants should have good leadership skills, communication skills and be able to demonstrate previous service to the school and community.
Adams advises that applicants be themselves. "They're looking for fun, outgoing people - so if you go in expecting to have a good time, you'll have a lot of fun."
All applications must be postmarked by Friday, May 2. Selection interviews will be held the weekend of May 17 and 18.
After the winners have been chosen, there will be a picnic reception on the evening of May 18 to celebrate.
Ashley Bleimes, a senior with the Linworth Alternative Program in Worthington, is an intern this spring with The News.