By Corrina Taylor
Class of 2013

On the days of pep rallies and any other assemblies there will always be students dressed up in red jackets as they help guide students to the correct location they need to be. These 24 seniors are called the Red Jackets, hence the wardrobe choice of red sports jackets. This elite group of seniors are handpicked by the principle to help better serve the school.

This year will be the fifth year for the Red Jackets to be a daily part of life at Coppell. Originally created by 30 teachers and administrators along with former principal Brad Hunt, the Red Jackets were formed to increase the opportunity for students to connect to their school. Hunt was once involved in a program similar to the Red Jackets called MT-40 or the Green Jackets at UNT, which had inspired Hunt.

With the title of Red Jacket comes the responsibilities, as well as being an usher at major school functions, hosting new student lunches, and Fish Camp the Red jackets are also responsible for the daily announcements. However it is not all about doing work as a Red Jacket, it is also about upholding the title, and to set an example to the lower classes.
As an iconic figure the Red Jackets roam the halls in their official uniform setting an example for the freshman, sophomore, and juniors to look up to. These dedicated seniors are an active part of teen leadership. However being qualified to be one of these honorary seniors is long and tedious.
When applying for Red Jackets the applicants must acquire three letters of recommendation, write a short essay explaining why they believe that they should be considered for the role of Red Jacket. Once all of this is completed the applicants must go through two sets of interviews. The first interview set out to talk to all of the students, then the second interview only inviting back some of the original applicants.
Once the interviews are completed the Red Jackets will be officially announced.
While new to this school it is important to remember that the Red Jackets are not just seniors dealing strictly with announcements or ushering for pep rallies, they are also there to help.
As a part of the leadership program the Red Jackets strive to make Coppell become a better school from the inside out. With a friendly matter and smile the Red Jackets are open for questions from anyone including new freshman unfamiliar to the school.
Through honor and pride shall the Red Jackets continue to inspire Coppell and to strive to create the utmost perfect school environment for all grades. Through the years Red Jackets have proven their worth and will continue to improve Coppell one step at a time.