ATHENS — High school students in Athens received $1,600 to invest in their community and chose seven projects that range from healthcare to community events to the arts.
Members of the Athens Mayor’s Youth Commission oversee a community grant program and annually distribute funds to local non-profits for projects that benefit Athens. These are students in grades 10-12 from Athens High School, Athens Bible School, Lindsay Lane Christian Academy and Athens Renaissance.
The students were split into seven groups and scored the grant proposals based on the impact to the community and the summaries of the projects.
“It is interesting to see students from different schools come together and debate what they’re most passionate about and then compromise and distribute funds that will have an impact on their hometown,” said Youth Commission mentor Holly Hollman.
Youth Commissioners debated intensely over three projects to determine which would receive the largest grant. Some wanted to support $500 for Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation to provide medications and medical supplies for patients in need. Students who supported this effort said healthcare is expensive, and no one should be denied access.
Others wanted to fund Athens Fire and Rescue Auxiliary the $500 grant for its Shop with a Firefighter Christmas program. Students said children in need should experience Christmas like any other family.
One group wanted to fund $500 to Limestone County Churches Involved for a new awning on its downtown building because it would enhance downtown and provide weather protection for those seeking assistance.
The students in each group defended their positions and voted, with the Hospital Foundation receiving the most votes. Here is the breakdown of the seven projects and funding:
- Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation, $500, to provide medications and medical supplies for those in need.
- Athens Fire and Rescue Auxiliary, $300, Shop with a Firefighter Christmas program, where children in need shop with firefighters, city employees, etc. for toys, games, clothing and personal hygiene items.
- Limestone County Churches Involved, $300, help fund a new awning to enhance the building and provide weather protection for those seeking assistance.
- Hospice of Limestone County, $200, to fund Camp Hope, a bereavement camp that helps children learn to deal with grief and their emotions.
- Athens Arts League, $100, to fund supplies for summer paint days for about 30 children at the Boys and Girls Club.
- Athens-Limestone Community Association, $100, to fund supplies for the C. Eric Lincoln Celebration that will honor the Trinity graduate’s induction, posthumously, into the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame.
- Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful, $100, to support the Household Hazardous Waste program where citizens can safely dispose of chemicals, paints, electronics, etc.
Carolyn Williams, a member of the ALCA Board, said, “Thanks so much for the award, and I’m excited to have volunteers (from Youth Commission) for the May 17 (C. Eric Lincoln) event.”
Those who presented grants were asked to include a volunteer option for Youth Commissioners, if possible, so the students can see first-hand the outcome of their investment.
Samurai’s Steakhouse was the major sponsor for the community grant program this year. Youth Commissioners also utilized a financial gift from Dekko Foundation.
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