Local Teens Raise Awareness While 'Jammin’ for Justice'

By Jeni Baldwin    

North Dallas Teenagers banned together in a fund-raising effort called “Jammin’ for Justice” on Saturday, April 19, raising money for the school, St. Mary of Carmel.  In the spirit of Live Aid and Idol Gives Back, an ambitious group of St. Monica School 8^th graders took their Social Justice community service project to new heights, intertwining other groups and performers in their extraordinary efforts to raise over $1,200.00 for those in need.  The entire 8^th grade was invited to attend the concert where they were given hamburgers, a T-shirt and live entertainment in exchange for a $10 donation at the door.  Local contractor and SMS dad, Russell Spearman, generously donated his warehouse for the event transforming the four concrete walls into a concert venue.  Seasoned performers, Adrenaline (Jake Baldwin, Jacob Khoury and Ellie Logan) welcomed lead singer Catherine Brandt to the stage rocking the house to many songs including familiar Guitar Hero favorite Dragon Force’s “Fire and Flames”, showcasing the musicians “mad skills” as the 8^th graders were overheard saying.  The maiden performance of Trail Boss (Scott Weiss, John Euart, Tim Nyguen, John Stone, Matthew Khoury, Hallie Liskow and Brian Ogden) was a true hit, featuring a great collaboration of talent with songs like Snow (Hey oh!) by Red Hot Chili Peppers.  As a pleasant surprise, Courtney Taylor played Sara Bareilles’ current hit “Love Song” on the keyboard while Hallie Liskow sang on the microphone. The bands entranced the crowd who paid tribute in the form of bows, waving of cell phones in the air, sing-a-longs and standing ovations.  The spirit of charity and giving was held close as the architects of the event, Chris Cisneros, Courtney Taylor, Lana Dove, Tim Nyguen, John Euart and Scott Weiss formally thanked the crowd for supporting a good cause.  The event fulfilled the goal of the comprehensive St. Monica 8^th grade Social Justice Program demonstrating the impact ordinary students can have on local social justice issues through monthly service activities.