When a student signs up to participate in a sport or activity, their parents are also signing up to be involved to some degree. Jen Hansard is the mother of two high school students and she says that she and her husband being able to be there to support and cheer on their kids is something that she is thankful for.
“My husband and I try to attend most of their sports events and put money and energy towards additional training,” she said. “I really try to make it to most of their games because I love watching my kids compete in activities they love. It’s one of the best gifts of motherhood. We also put up a volleyball net in our backyard so the kids and their friends always have a place to play. If something is important to your kids, I try to make it important to us, too.”

Hansard’s son Jackson will be a junior this upcoming school year, and her daughter Clare, will be a sophomore.

“Jackson went to state with Altus High School last year for powerlifting as a sophomore and it was really fun to watch him compete,” she said. “Last month, he was accepted to Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in downtown OKC and will attend for his last two years of high school.  Clare plays varsity volleyball and is in the National Honor Society. In the off season, Clare is on the Great Plains Volleyball Club team and runs the 4x400m and the 4x800m for the AHS track team.”

As a member of the Altus community and school system, Jen loves how the entire area makes the students feel supported.
“Altus has truly wowed me with their support of our students all year round,” she stated. “The teachers, coaches, administrators, Altus Air Force Base and the community are rooting for these kids all the time. My daughter has been working out from 7am-10:30am most of summer with our high school coaches to stay physically fit for the season. It’s incredible what they give to these kids! I’m blessed to call Altus our home and be a part of a community that’s dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our kids.”