This month, our Empower students were required to complete a service project as part of our Youth Leadership program. Flint Energies partnered with each county and gave the students $100 toward a service project of their choice to be carried out in their community. Following is an overview of what these students have done to serve in their communities this month with our help.
Nicole Acree, Taylor County Chamber of Commerce and Development Authority Director shared, “The students and I had a great time. I think this will become a new tradition for us. They loved being able to order off the menu at the Cotton Gin and bingo was a hit as well. We then visited Country Gardens and Taylor County Health and Rehab, and the students sang carols and handed out cards. Thank you for this program; it is shaping these students into the future leaders that our community needs.”
Our Crawford County students participated in a few projects this December. Roberta-Crawford County Chamber and Development Authority Director, Patti Temple, lost her husband earlier this month, so the students decorated the visitor’s center for Christmas for Mrs. Patti. Julie Hodges, representative of Crawford County High School said, “In addition to decorating the Chamber for Christmas, the Empower students also volunteered with the Roberta-Crawford County Christmas Market and Parade.”
The Macon County students volunteered at Christmas in the Park last weekend in Montezuma. They helped setup, distribute food and gifts to those in need, and greeted attendees from the community.
In Marion County, Counselor Melissa Jernigan shared, “Marion's EMPOWER students took the $100 Flint gave them and raised an additional $300 for a total of $400. They chose to adopt a family of three children (ages 3, 9, and 10) with extreme financial need in our community. They fundraised, shopped, wrapped, and stuffed stockings for the three students and had enough money to provide the parents with a $50 Visa card. They are looking forward to a February project!”
Schley County High School Counselor Cindy Hagerson said, “During the month of December, Schley County Empower students chose Deep South Canine Rescue in Ellaville, to support and serve. This is an animal shelter that is a nonprofit with a no-kill policy. The students worked at the shelter on Friday, December 1, with other shelter volunteers. They also involved other students in the high school collecting donations from their peers for the shelter.”
Dr. Jenie Carter, Counselor at the Talbot County Schools had to get creative. They had planned to volunteer with the Talbot County Toys for Tots, but the organization did not get the date finalized before the end of school. Dr. Carter stated, “The Talbot Empower students served with the Financial Aid Night at the Central Elementary-High School. Students helped with the computer setup and take down, they greeted families of seniors, assisted with registration and served refreshments.”
Many of these students have never experienced service like this and it has not only made a profound impact on those they served, but it has also changed these students for better as well. That’s exactly why we wanted to do this and I’m so proud of these young leaders. If you know one of the students in the Empower program or see them out in the community, please be sure to let them know how proud we are of them and that you see them stepping up as a leader. Your words will absolutely make a difference!
