GAINESVILLE JUNIOR HIGH S
tudents at Gainesville Junior High are exposed to a variety of extracurricular activities that fit the needs and interests of our student population. These activities broaden student development, strengthen social skills, and tend to boost academic performance while giving students the opportunity to learn and develop abilities beyond the classroom. Although COVID-19 protocols changed how these activities looked, school staff aimed to maintain school spirit and student involvement throughout the 2020-2021 school year.
ATHLETICS
offered during the summer and focuses on
a record-setting eight students who
specific sports as well as overall strength
qualified. UIL concert and sight-reading
GJHS athletic programs during the year.
and conditioning.
recordings were submitted in the spring,
Led by Coach LJ Searcy and Coach Leslie
BAND
and the band was awarded a Superior
Over 280 students participated in
Thomas, young athletes learn goal setting,
During the 2021 school year, the
Rating. Members also participated virtually
self-discipline, problem-solving skills, and
GJHS Band program, led by Band
in the Pilot Point Solo and Ensemble
the value of teamwork, as well as develop
Director Jeff Hodges, overcame
Contest. As the school year closed,
a strong work ethic. GJHS offers football,
many obstacles to find success and
the band was involved in several other
volleyball, basketball, soccer, track, cross
create new standards for the future.
performances, including the Willie Owens
country, tennis, and golf. Competitively,
Being unable to publicly perform, the
guest composer concert, in which the
a highlight of the year was the Henrietta
program instead focused on learning
composer rehearsed and performed his
track meet when all four 7th and 8th
recording techniques and were able to
music with GJHS students. The junior high
grade boys and girls teams placed first.
have several virtual concerts this year.
bands were also able to participate in the
The GJHS Athletic Department also held
These virtual concerts were musically
1st annual Fiesta Day community event
its very first Spring League volleyball,
successful and well-received by the
in May.
basketball, and football for athletes in
community. In the fall, many students
CHOIR & THEATRE
grades 6-8. A similar skills program is
auditioned for All-Region Band with
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• Gainesville SPOT SPOTlight light • Summer 2021
GJHS has three choirs under the
