Five young women were honored recently with college scholarships from Junior Auxiliary of Taney County. Each year JATC provides a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior at each of the four Taney County high schools. This year’s recipients include Hannah Karnes, Forsyth High School, Lauren Combs, Bradleyville High School, Kenzie McClintic, Hollister High School, and Peri Harkins, Branson High School. Selection of these recipients is based primarily on volunteer service to their communities, above and beyond any school requirements.

Member Ronni Haston presents Hannah Karnes of Forsyth with a $500 scholarship.

JATC President, Nina Grayson, presents Lauren Combs of Bradleyville with a $500 scholarship.

In addition, JATC offers a $500 Scholarcare scholarship, renewable for up to four years, to a graduating senior who can benefit from a little extra emotional support and encouragement that JATC members provide through the year. Based on her personal essay and recommendations accompanying her application, Shana Topka from Branson high school was named the Scholarcare recipient for this year. She joins previous years’ Scholarcare winners Kelsie Thomas, a graduate of Bradleyville High school, now in her third year at College of the Ozarks; and Ashley Shockey, a graduate of Branson High who will be returning to Truman State for her sophomore year.

JATC is proud to be able to provide support and encouragement to these students as they pursue their education and move into adulthood. Scholarships and Scholarcare are just one aspect of the projects and services offered in Taney County by the members of JATC. More information about the organization and the projects it supports is available on the website, JATCMO.org. Membership in the organization is open to women over 21 years of age who wish to make a commitment to support children, youth and families in Taney County. More information about membership also may be found on the website or by calling Linda Lewis, Membership Chair at (417) 527-3963.

Published: Branson Tri-Lakes News, May 30, 2015; 106.3 Radio Station, May 27, 2015