Students crowded into Meyer Hall during lunch on April 14. Cheers and applause was heard around the auditorium in remembrance of a role model that was special to each individual. The life of social studies teacher Lea Jefferson was celebrated in the positive atmosphere that had come to define her.

The remembrance event featured arts from all areas, reminiscent of her own impact on the arts at Dreyfoos. Two dance performances were held in addition to jazz, a slideshow of photos of Ms. Jefferson and a poem reading by visual teacher Jenny Gifford.

“Your amazing spirit of life purveys/where we laugh out loud and get carried away/how you made it better for so many, you paved the way/give it back or forward is our way to repay/ Oh Hey! Miss J, waddya say?” Mrs. Gifford read in her poem. “Oh Hey Ms. J, waddya say?!”

The event continued with a speech from Ms. Jefferson’s brother, Trevor Jefferson, a music video featuring Ms. Jefferson, a video honoring Ms. Jefferson’s memory and presentation of art from elementary and preschools that Ms. Jefferson has helped.

“Falling down is part of life, getting up is harder.” Trevor Jefferson said, “You can find something positive to pour your energy into, something to help you get through it.”

Ms. Jefferson, or as her students called her, “Miss J,” taught U.S. history, government and economics. In her time at Dreyfoos, she contributed so much more besides the classroom. Ms. Jefferson has revitalized A.R.T.S. Club and received the Dwyer Award in 2013 for her dedication to the arts and the classroom.

“She is the best teacher I’ve ever had [and] the best mentor I ever had,” dance senior Sydney Sagel said. “I was a lazy student and she whipped me into shape. Just the way she said things made me want to listen.”

The event ended with jazz, dancing and cheers, just as “Miss J” would have wanted it.

“Everyone kept it celebratory, just like how “Miss J” wanted it,” Ms. Gifford said. “She didn’t want any downers, she told us to have a party. “Miss J” would have loved it.”

Read “Oh Hey Miss J waddya say?!” Tribute Poem by Jenny Gifford