SIDNEY — Match Day is helping the Shelby County United Way launch its Student United Way initiative in Shelby County. Twenty local junior and senior students representing each high school in the county will participate.
“Students will attend monthly sessions learning about the Shelby County United Way, funded programs, and issues facing residents in Shelby County,” said Scott Barr, executive director. “The Board of Directors are excited to learn from the students what is impacting youth today and include their voice in the dialogue.”
The students will be allotted a $5,000 allocation budget where they will review and award $500 to $1,000 grants for youth programming based on their determined focus areas. The Community Foundation’s Match Day funds will help support the youth allocation budget.
“We are excited to have these students involved and learn from their experiences and perspectives,” said Barr. “They are the leaders of today, and tomorrow, and their voice will be critical to have.”
Students participating during the inaugural year are Anna High School students Claire Bensman and Carly Becker, Botkins students Grace Homan and Page Lane, Christian Academy students Alexandria Baughman and Michael Toal, Fairlawn students Skylar Jones and Tyler Kelch, Fort Loramie students Riley Middendorf and Heather Eilerman, Houston students Ailia DeWitt and Angelina DeLullo, Jackson Center students T.J. Esser and Riley Jackson, Lehman Catholic students Grace Olding and Kameron Lee, Russia students Daniel Kerns and Lauren Monnin, and Sidney students Josiah Hudgins and Emily Jones.
“We realize that many of these teens have school, clubs, sports and work activities on their plates, but they are also the students who see a lot of what is going on, because of their high levels of involvement,” added Barr. “Match Day gifts are going to provide the resources they need to make an impact in our county’s most critical areas effecting youth.”
To support the Shelby County United Way on Match Day, gifts must be made payable to the Community Foundation of Shelby County with: Match/United Way noted on the memo or in an accompanying note or form. Details and forms are available at the Community Foundation website at www.commfoun.com or at the Shelby County United Way office. Gifts must be received on or before Nov. 28 to be eligible for up to $5,000 in matching money.
