10th Anniversary of "School is Cool" JAM

LINCOLN --- The 10th anniversary of the Lincoln "School is Cool" Jam will be celebrated on Monday, April 9th at the Bob Devaney SportsCenter. Nearly 11,000 students statewide have registered to attend what has become known as the nation's largest academic pep rally. With the 11,000 students already registered, the 10-year attendance total surpasses the 100,000 mark. The Jam started back in 1992 and was attended by 350 students. In 1993, approximately 3,000 students statewide celebrated education at Lincoln Southeast High School and since 1994 the JAM has been held at the Devaney Center. The purpose of the Jam is to utilize role model-student-athletes and campus leaders as well as athletic entertainers to teach responsible decision making in all aspects of life as well as promote the importance of education. The "School is Cool" Jam is coordinated through the Ventures In Partnership program combining efforts of the University of Nebraska Athletic Department, UNL Golden Key National Honor Society and Lincoln Public Schools Department of Special Education.

The 2001 JAM will also mark the final Lincoln "School is Cool" celebration. Transportation costs and budgetary concerns have made it increasingly difficult for schools statewide to support the annual affair. The University will continue to coordinate the annual North Platte "School is Cool" Jam and the "Tour of Excellence" insuring that Husker student-athlete role-models make an impact with youth throughout the state of Nebraska. The Western Nebraska "Tour of Excellence" is slated for March 12th and March 13th, the Kearney "Tour of Excellence" will take place on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Kearney on March 27th and the North Platte JAM will be held on the campus of Mid-Plains Community College on April 10th.

The 10th anniversary of the Lincoln Jam will feature pre-event entertainment starting at 9:30 a.m. World footbag champion Brian McKenzie and Lil' Red will perform and the Golden Key National Honor Society will announce the winners of the first ever "School is Cool" Jam essay contest. The JAM begins at 10:00 a.m. and will feature interactive motivational presentations from the High Impact Squad and from Bruce Crevier and Family. The High Impact Squad is from Houston, TX and specialize in acro-dunking while delivering inspirational messages about school and life. Bruce Crevier is from Elkton, South Dakota and is regarded as the best basketball handler in the world. Husker football student-athlete Willie Amos will be joined by members of his National Championship jump rope team to perform at the Jam. Husker All-American volleyball standout Nancy Meendering is a featured speaker as well as Golden Key National Honor Society member, Amanda McGill. The 2001 "School is Cool" Jam is being sponsored by PEPSI.

Schools who have not pre-registered for the Lincoln Jam but would still like to attend should contact the Lincoln Public Schools District Office at 402-436-1902. Those wanting to register for the North Platte Jam, can contact Tom Gorman at 308-532-8740 ext. 214. Those interested in learning more about the Tour of Excellence events should contact Keith Zimmer at 402-472-2042.