Oxford, AL – Anastasia Jones, a proud product of Oxford, Alabama, embarked on an extraordinary journey to create “Oxford-opoly” as part of her endeavor to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award. Having attended Coldwater Elementary, C.E. Hanna, Oxford Middle School, and graduating from Oxford High School in 2023, Anastasia’s roots in the community run deep.
Currently enrolled in the Navy ROTC program at Jacksonville University in Florida, where she is majoring in Aviation Management and Flight Operations, Anastasia’s commitment to service shines brightly. Her post-college aspiration is to serve as a full-time officer in the Navy, undoubtedly contributing to the betterment of her country.
Anastasia’s involvement in Girl Scouting dates back to her kindergarten years as a member of Troop 20136. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the most prestigious accolade within the Girl Scouts of the USA, was her goal. This honor is exclusively earned by Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts who conceive and implement sustainable solutions to address challenges in their communities and beyond. Remarkably, only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts reach this pinnacle.
Anastasia’s Gold Award project was nothing short of remarkable. Her mission was to craft and introduce a board game that would not only entertain but also educate players about the wonders of Oxford, her beloved hometown. The game was designed to spotlight historical landmarks, local businesses, and scenic parks, enticing individuals to explore these attractions in person.
Now, Oxford-opoly allows you to own Hubbard’s Off Main restaurant for a mere $100 or become the proud proprietor of Choccolocco Park for $310. While these prices are a far cry from reality, they become attainable in the imaginative world of Oxford-opoly.
Structured in a format reminiscent of the classic century-old real estate game, Oxford-opoly sets itself apart by introducing local elements such as Leon Smith Parkway and a visit to Oxford High School for an exciting football game. Drawing a Community Card might advance you to various Oxford landmarks, while a Big Fun Card could rescue you from a traffic snarl.
The genesis of this creative endeavor traces back to Anna Jones’ presentation before the City Council in February, back when she was a high school senior. Her idea and business model for marketing and selling the game resonated so profoundly with the council that they swiftly voted to fund the production of Oxford-opoly.
Council members, including Councilwoman Charlotte Hubbard, expressed their enthusiasm, foreseeing the game’s popularity among citizens and visitors alike. They recognized the value of Anastasia’s endeavor in bringing people of all ages together while also serving as an educational tool to impart the town’s history to schoolchildren.
Council President Chris Spurlin commended Anna’s dedication to her project, emphasizing its contribution to preserving the city’s history and promoting community pride.
“Oxford-opoly,” a game brimming with local landmarks, attractions, traditions, and holiday events, is now available for purchase at the Oxford Civic Center for a modest price of $20. It stands as a testament to the creativity, vision, and unwavering commitment of Anastasia Jones to her community, making the game a cherished keepsake for Oxford residents and visitors alike and is now available for purchase at the Oxford Civic Center for $20.00.
