Junior Jackets is a new club for children and grandchildren of alumni and friends of Howard Payne University. It is open to all ages from infants to 18-year-olds. This is the first year this has been offered, with the goal being to help teach children about HPU and get excited about coming to college here one day.
Kalie Lowrie, assistant vice president for alumni relations, said she believes Junior Jackets is a great way for children and teens to be engaged with what is happening at HPU and have access to some exclusive events that make them feel special.
“It is important because these kids are our legacy and HPU is a school built on family,” said Lowrie.
When someone joins the Junior Jacket program, they receive an HPU shirt, lanyard, free meal at the Stinger Spectacular, a card on the child’s birthday, special digital content throughout the school year, and access to three Junior Jacket club events during HPU athletic events.
Events for the Junior Jackets that have already taken place include being on the line-up tunnel for the HPU Yellow Jackets last fall, and participation in Stinger Spectacular, where they received free meals and a welcome hand to the family picnic, giving the children a chance to start meeting the HPU family this 2023-2024 year.
Another exciting event that took place was a virtual Christmas painting lesson. In December 2010 alumni Emily Hutson taught an art lesson via Zoom for the Junior Jackets.
While this is the first year for the club, it has brought great success. Registration opened in July and is still open for those who want to enroll their kids. There are currently 83 kids signed up.
“It has been so much fun to see them receive their welcome packets, attend an HPU football game, play on campus during Stinger Spectacular and so much more,” said Lowrie.
Families who wish to enroll their children can sign up HERE.
Photo of staff writer, Maddie Escalon