Lexington Elementary School fourth and fifth graders learned about philanthropy through the efforts of Scott County Youth Grantmaking Council (?YGC?) members. After months of planning, the YGC?s plans to teach youth about giving time, talent and treasure began with Lexington students.
The fourth grade class started their session with a team-building exercise, the ?Human Knot.? They then discussed what they could do with money after reading Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday (answer: spend, save, invest or donate!). They watched a goal-setting video produced by YGC member Kevin Jentzen. They were then given M&M tubes filled with candy and were asked to return the empty tubes the following week, but filled with coins. They were able to raise $135.65 between Mrs. Hardy and Mrs. Moon?s classes!
The fifth grade class then had the task of how to spend the money. Three teachers submitted grant applications ahead of time for special requests for funding. The fifth graders watched a video produced by YGC member Tyler White, which explained the grantmaking process. The students worked in groups to review each application and submit scores. The YGC members explained how it can be difficult to decide who to choose when all are worthy projects, but there are more requests for funding than there is money to award.
Scores were tallied, and between the funds raised by the fourth graders, and some extra funding provided by the YGC members as well as the principal, Mr. Chuck Rose, all three teacher projects were able to be funded. They included Cherie Shuler?s request for $75 to purchase a third set of books in the Sarah, Plain & Tall series ; Sherri Hale?s request for $100 to purchase a set of The Mouse and the Motorcycle books; and Connie Renschler?s request for $100 to purchase kites for first grade students to go along with what they recently learned about Benjamin Franklin and his first kite.
The YGC members who were able to teach philanthropy in these sessions include Carmen Boley, Lindsey Boswell, Braden Hale, Evan Howser, Haley Mullins, Braxton Soloe, Hunter Steinkamp, Lauren Turner and Tyler White. Plans are underway to expand the program to other elementary schools during the 2013-2014 school year.
?It was such a great opportunity, not only for the fourth and fifth graders, but for the YGC as well,? said YGC President Carmen Boley. ?I think being able to go out and teach the kids about philanthropy was a blessing to all of the Council that participated. Thanks to the schools for letting us interrupt classes for an awesome cause!?
The goals of the Scott County Youth Grantmaking Council, which is a program of the Scott County Community Foundation, are to provide opportunities for leadership development, provide positive peer support, learn about philanthropy and serving the community, form a partnership with other youth and adults, grow the endowment for the future, and educate the public about the YGC, its mission, and its activities both past and present.
Other members include: Brandon Boswell, Sera Craig, Josiah Croasdell, Koby Hawkins, Lauren Howser, Kevin Jentzen, Isaak Mount, Kaleb Mount, Caity Rice, Jordan Shuler, Luke Taylor, Emma Waskom and Caleb White. The YGC also has a Community Service committee, which meets at least once per month for service projects. Its members include Hannah Dickerson, Elle Fleenor, Justice Gabbard, Alexa Howser, Ally Ingalls, Eliza Mount, Izzy Myszak, Minwoo Noh and Jordan Thomas.
Applications for the Community Service committee are accepted year-round, and can be obtained by calling Jaime Toppe at 752-2057, emailing info@www.scottcountyfoundation.org, or stopping in at the Community Foundation office, 60 N. Main St., Scottsburg. You may also download an application from www.www.scottcountyfoundation.org.
