On Friday, February 13th 2026 JGSC will present the Falcon Award prior to the National Anthem before the Boys Varsity Basketball game. It is an award that recognizes exceptional service, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our school community. This award is reserved for individuals who consistently go above and beyond—often behind the scenes—to make a lasting difference. This year's recipient embodies the very spirit of the Falcon Award in every way.
We are proud to honor Jill Groves.
Since August of 1992, Jill has served as a 7th and 8th grade Family & Consumer Science teacher at Urey Middle School, dedicating 33 years to educating and supporting students. Generations of students have passed through her classroom, each impacted not only by what she taught, but by the care, structure, and encouragement she provided every single day.
But Jill's service has never been limited to the classroom.
Over the years, she has coached boys and girls tennis at JGHS, returning again and again as both head coach and assistant coach, and even spending Saturdays in the off-season attending matches simply to support her players. She has also coached cheerleading at both the high school and middle school levels, including chaperoning students to New York City to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity made possible through her commitment.
Jill has served as a National Junior Honor Society sponsor, a longtime member of the Falloween Committee, a building representative, and a dedicated member of the staff social and flower fund committee. She has volunteered countless hours working athletic events, concession stands, track meets, football games, dances, concerts, drama productions, field trips, award trips, and summer youth clinics.
Even during the uncertainty of 2020, Jill stepped up—helping return student belongings during school shutdowns. And just last spring, she once again demonstrated her generosity by making breakfast for the entire Urey Middle School staff on the last day of school.
The Falcon Award is about more than years of service. It honors those who show up consistently, who support others quietly, and who place the needs of students and colleagues above their own. Jill Groves has done exactly that for more than three decades.
Her impact can be felt across classrooms, courts, hallways, and events—and most importantly, in the lives of the students and colleagues she has supported along the way.
It is with great pride that we will present the Falcon Award to Jill Groves. Please join us in congratulating and thanking her for her extraordinary service and dedication on Friday, February 13th. There will be a reception for Jill in the teachers lounge after the award ceremony.
