Thomas Jefferson "Lassos" - a Texas Tradition!

      Thomas Jefferson High School , a San Antonio icon, opened it's doors in January of 1932.  Jefferson 's famous Lassos, the rope-twirling pep club and service organization, was founded by Miss Constance Douglas, a physical education teacher.  The group began with 100 girls and the motto "One for all and all for One", under 'Connie' Douglas .  She was the originator of the name and the designer of the uniforms.  

        In 1937, Jefferson High became nationally known when it was chosen out of 1500 schools as the most outstanding high school in America .  The following year, Life magazine featured the story of Jefferson High School in its March 7,1938 issue.  Two Lassos appeared on the cover of the magazine, twirling their ropes, and 8 pages of the issue were dedicated to telling the story of the school and its organizations including the Lassos.  An excerpt from the LIFE Magazine article states, "It has a corps of 150 "Lasso" girls, nattily turned out in cowgirl outfits, who travel all over the state."  The cover photo featured two famous Jefferson Lassos wearing 'the uptown cowgirl look' featuring a blue flannel skirt, red satin blouse, blue scarf, a pearl gray Stetson, and of course, the famous Lasso Rope.  The magazine cover was in black in white, but today's Lassos still wear the traditional blue skirts, and red blouses. 

        Twentieth Century Fox filmed two movies on the Jefferson campus: "High School" starring Jane Withers in 1938 and its sequel "Texas Girl" also with Jane Withers in 1939.  Jane was depicted a member of the Lassos in both films.  By the close of 1938, Jefferson had appeared in LIFE, The American Weekly and several European publications and in 1947 it also appeared in National Geographic magazine.  In 1939, the principal, Mr. Rogers, arranged a trip for the Lassos, their parents, and friends to the New York World's Fair, Washington , D.C. , Philadelphia , Chicago , and Niagara Falls , lasting from May 30 to June 11.  Train fare and lodgings cost each Lasso fifty dollars. 

          As Thomas Jefferson High School celebrates it's 75th Anniversary this year, the Lassos are especially proud to be celebrating their 75 year legacy as well.  Billed as "the pride of dear Jeff High," the group continues to dance and rope - keeping the spirit and famous Lasso Smile alive and well.  The team is currently sponsored by the Thomas Jefferson High School Lasso Alumni Association, - providing them with uniforms (including boots and spurs), and helping them to 'learn the ropes'! 

          Following in the footsteps of Constance Douglas, there have been several well known and beloved sponsors to include Bess Richards and Marion Asher.  This year's sponsor is Jaime Hatley, and Lasso Major is Jessica Rodriguez.