by Hannah Stombaugh
A New Prairie High School HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) group consisting of juniors Callie Metzger, Allie Palmer, Megan Boyd, and Addie Woodham are hosting a dance marathon called JAM (Jake and Mark) on February 3rd, from 4-10 pm CST at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium. Tickets are $5 at the door, and all proceeds go to the Jake West foundation and the Mayfield family.
Metzger explained that the event was inspired by the local community coming together after the deaths of Jake West of LaPorte High School in 2013, and Mark Mayfield of New Prairie in 2017. Both deaths were caused from undetected heart conditions.
“It is really unfortunate,” Metzger added. “That’s why yearly heart screenings are so important.”
Palmer and Metzger explained how they came up with the acronym “JAM”.
“We wanted a catchy name to capture that the event was a dance marathon,” Palmer said. “Someone just took the first letter from Jake and Mark and shortened it to JAM. Then, our inspiration for the event really took off.”
A dance marathon is an event to raise awareness on a certain topic, while music and food are provided on the dance floor, the group explained.
“Music will be playing, and we will be giving out facts about heart conditions. There will also be t-shirts for sale, and food to enjoy donated by places such as Domino’s in LaPorte, Jimmy John’s in LaPorte, and Subway in LaPorte,” Metzger explained.
Boyd added that other sponsor-donors include:
Sauers Buick GMC
Wolf Family Dentistry
Qubit Networks
Applegarth Dermatology
Braje, Nelson. & Janes LLp
John T. Boyd for Sheriff
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Boyd
Bye-Mor INC
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
Robinson Financial
Essling Funeral Home
Platinum Gymnastics
Newb, Lewis Kaminski, & Jones, LLP
Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Hernandez
Jimmy Johns of LaPorte (platters of mini subs)
Aim Water Treatment (cases of water)
St. Andrews Products (t-shirts)
Swingbelly’s (hosted a giveback night)
Heston Supper Club/Banquet Hall (variety of desserts)
“Jake West’s mom, Julie Schroeder, was a big help, especially with donations.” according to Palmer. “Without her help, we couldn’t have done it.”
Palmer also explained the urgency of heart health. “Everyone has a heart.”
"Tickets are $5 at the door, and all proceeds go to the Jake West foundation and the Mayfield family."
Metzger also added that heart screenings are usually free and accessible locally. “You should go and get a heart screening at least once a year, especially if it is free.”
Tonya Aerts, the director of New Prairie’s HOSA chapter and a science teacher at New Prairie, applauds the group’s independence and efficiency.
“I am simply an advisor to the HOSA groups, and especially this group in particular. These ladies have accomplished everything and deserve every ounce of credit,” Aerts lauded.
This event can be used in HOSA competitions, as they would present a slideshow of “JAM” and how it impacted the community.
“We all hope to strive for HOSA nationals, which this year is in Dallas, Texas. I think they (“JAM”) have a great shot to making it,” Aerts commented.
As a final comment, Metzger hopes that people can attend, even if it is only for a short time.
“Even if it is for five minutes, stop by! Every person can make a difference,” Metzger exclaimed.
“JAM” is on February 3rd, from 4-10 pm CST, at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium. Admission is $5 at the door.