The JTHS Band Alumni Association proudly introduced a third scholarship award in the 2018-2019 school year. The award is presented in memory and honor of Mrs. Janice L. Uffelmann, JTHS band member and a graduate of JTHS (Class of 1962).

The Jan Uffelmann Scholarship is a $1,000.00 scholarship awarded to one student at JT Central and one student at JT West band programs. The 2023-2024 school year marks the sixth year that these scholarships will be awarded. Candidates for this scholarship include senior band students who have consistently demonstrated exceptional ("above and beyond") levels of "being of service" to others and who aspire to uphold the rich traditions of the JTHS band program during all years as a member. These student actions promote and improve the JTHS band/music experience for all in the same manner that Jan Uffelmann embodied a "tradition of service" that benefited others ahead of herself. This award is made possible by generous donations from Mrs. Uffelmann's family for this specific purpose.

About Mrs. Janice L. Uffelmann

Born November 5, 1944, in Joliet, Illinois, Janice Lynn was the daughter of Mildred (nee Becker) and George Werner Hacker.

She attended Farragut School where she became a member of the all boys' Joliet Grade School Band playing a marimba. She was in the first graduating class in 1958 from Hufford Junior High and a proud member of the Joliet Township High Band, graduating in 1962 from JT. She attended Joliet Junior College and was a graduate of the University of Illinois, Champaign in 1966.

She was the beloved wife of Orrin Keith Uffelmann for 46½ years; the loving mother of Bradley Allen (Rachel) Uffelmann and Mayme Aileen (Aaron) Studer; sister-in-law of Moleise Hemingway. She also had several first, second, and third cousins. Her beloved pets include: Lancelot, Gandalf and Joe. Jan was preceded in death by her parents Milly and George W. Hacker; grandparents Mayme and William Becker and Anna and George F. Hacker.

Jan taught 3rd grade at Lockport Elementary School from 1966-67 and kindergarten at A.O. Marshall from 1967-73. She volunteered in the library at Eisenhower Academy while her children attended school, and she was room mother and chaperoned on all field trips. In 1982, Brad joined the Joliet Grade School Band, playing clarinet, thus opening the door for many years of fitting, repairing, cleaning and ordering many new Joliet Grade School Band Uniforms while both Brad and Mayme were in the band; a job she adored. In 1984, she became a member of the Joliet American Legion Band, where she served as secretary for 11 years. After resigning from Joliet American Legion Band, she joined the JJC Community Band and helped form the Joliet Township High School Alumni Band, where she was treasurer. In 2011, she was confirmed as a member of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church where her great-grandparents, Jacob and Maria Elizabeth Werner and Christian and Sophia Hacker, were married in the mid 1800's; became a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and the Altar Guild, where she was treasurer. She loved sewing, making many of her outfits, her children's and a few for her husband. In the late 90's, she became interested in genealogy, just wanting to locate the origin of her great-grandparents, but finding many relatives that became friends. She was an avid Colorado Avalanche fan attending many games in Denver.

Mrs. Uffelmann's unique qualities are best summarized by these remarks:

"Jan was a Go-Giver who consistently provided value to others by keeping a focus on giving and not getting." – Mike Fiske.

"Whenever I thought of Jan, I thought of a music town named Joliet. Joliet lost part of its musical soul when Jan passed from this life. She contributed to many music programs/organizations and did the things that no one else would consider; all done to make the organization better. When people take the time to look back, they will realize that Joliet music said goodbye to a dedicated friend." – Tony Contos

Future Scholarship Awards

The JTHS BAA hopes to continue to honor the memory of Mrs. Uffelmann by offering this award in the future with the continued support of her family, friends, and alumni who may elect to make donations to her memorial scholarship fund. Contact us to make a donation to this scholarship fund.

Go back to the Jan Uffelmann Scholarship info page