Up the Hill

How the Las Vegas chapter of Jack & Jill of America Inc. helped lead a regional gathering of young leaders

The Far West Region (FWR) of Jack & Jill of America Inc. held its 68th annual Teen Conference at the University of California Los Angeles. The FWR includes local chapters across Alaska, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. The 2022 conference was hosted by the Inglewood Chapter.

Over 400 teens from 28 chapters across the region attended the gathering with a packed agenda from June 23-26. The activities included election of regional teen officers; plenary sessions and ceremonies; selection of themes; a senior recognition program for graduating seniors; and chapter group competitions and community service. Conference workshops provided lessons in leadership, character, social responsibility, and development.

The Las Vegas Chapter was represented by 13 teens, three chaperones, two mother members and Far West Regional Secretary Amanda McWilliams. Las Vegas teen Caitlyn Goode, a 2022 graduate of Bishop Gorman High School, received the honor of Outstanding Senior and the Las Vegas Chapter Teens were awarded 2nd place in the short film competition. The documentary style short film entitled “The Black Blueprint: The Undisclosed Story of Integration in Las Vegas” highlighted African-American Trailblazers such as Charles I. West, Ruby Duncan, Rev. Donald Clark, Bob Bailey and Paul Williams. The film was recorded, scripted, narrated and edited by Las Vegas chapter teens.

Las Vegas Chapter History

Recognizing that families in the Las Vegas area were in need of enhanced social, cultural, and educational programs, Linda Dougan and Nancy Justice began exploring the possibilities of establishing a chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in Las Vegas. The provisional chapter, “EYE ON THE PRIZE,” was accepted as an official chapter in July 1992. Twenty-two mothers created a village for the children of Las Vegas on September 26, 1992 when the Las Vegas chapter was chartered. Since then, the mission has been to nurture the growth and development of African-American children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.