Scott County Youth Grantmaking Council Awards Grants To Community

       President Evan Comer             Member Braxton Soloe                    Vice President Jerel Taylor

The Scott County Youth Grantmaking Council awarded over $3,200 in grants to youth-related projects in the community at a grants dinner held June 4 at First Southern Baptist Church.

As grants committee chairperson Brandon Boswell announced the recipients, he shared, “Our theme tonight is ‘together we shine.’ This means that if we all work together, we can help our community shine.”

American Red Cross was awarded $395 to purchase mannequins for a youth babysitting course and after-school CPR training. The youth babysitting course will provide participants education in safety, first aid, job resumes, diaper changing and CPR. The after-school CPR training will be held at the Lifelong Learning Center for middle school students at no charge.

Austin Middle School received $99 to purchase a glider to assist students with autism and other sensory-related disorders. The glider helps the students regulate their bodies to enable them to focus on their school work, and offers opportunities to interact in a social setting to improve their social relations.

First Christian Church of Scottsburg was awarded $650 for a Whatever! Purity Ball. The Whatever! Ministry supports girls in middle and high school as they face challenges regarding school, family, friends, dating, fashion and more. After Bible studies on the importance of purity, the girls will make a commitment to abstain from sex until marriage, at a dance for the girls and their fathers, uncles, grandfathers or other family-like figures.

Scott County 4-H Council received $650 to purchase awards and ribbons for 4-H Fair participants. Each child who participates in 4-H sees their efforts honored, with each project receiving a ribbon and outstanding projects receiving additional recognition. Last year 500 young people benefited from this project.

Scott County Partnership was awarded $320 for a childcare enrichment program in the Circles Campaign. While adult parents receive education in financial planning, self-improvement and the availability of community resources in the initiative to eliminate poverty, children will be able to have arts and crafts, snacks and a curriculum.

Scott County Public Library – Lexington Branch was awarded $450 for a summer reading program. This year’s theme is on water, and grant funds will be used to purchase DVDs, books, crafts and activities to help children retain reading skills they achieved during the school year.

Scottsburg High School Student Council was awarded $350 for an “Adopt-a-School” workshop for elementary and middle school students. Students will participate in activities designed to teach them skills such as networking, communication and techniques to expand their leadership roles. The goal is to introduce the young people to servant leadership, school involvement and giving time to causes to benefit others.

Vienna-Finley Elementary received $300 to introduce nutritious foods to students in ways that are appealing and healthy. Second grade students will get to taste snacks of fresh fruit and vegetables and other whole foods while learning the nutritional benefits in a fun setting.

“The grant process was a wonderful learning experience,” said Boswell. “It is also a great feeling to be able to help the youth in our community. I love knowing that we made a difference.”

Scott County Youth Grantmaking Council officers and committee chairpersons were also recognized. Members of the Council include Patricia Bacala, Evan Comer, Joey Payne, Hunter Steinkamp and Jerel Taylor of Scottsburg High School; Carmen Boley, Brandon Boswell, Lindsey Boswell, Lauren Howser, Kevin Jentzen, Kaleb Mount, Jordan Shuler, Braxton Soloe, Keeli Stewart and Luke Taylor of Scottsburg Middle School; Kayla Griffen, Erin Lapp and Caity Rice of Austin High School; and Isaiah Turner of Turner Academy Homeschool.

In addition, the three graduating seniors were honored for their years of service. Patricia Bacala, Evan Comer and Erin Lapp all received certificates of appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

The Council will have four openings for new members this fall. They will have an informational booth at the Back to School Bash in August.