Four deserving seniors were honored recently with college scholarships from Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC). Each year JATC provides a $500 non-renewable scholarship to a graduating senior at each of the four Taney County high schools. This year’s recipients were Brooke Hale, Forsyth High School, Casey Ridings, Bradleyville High School, Kyle Kapella, Hollister High School, and Madison Kennon, Branson High School. Selection of these recipients was based primarily on volunteer service to their communities, above and beyond any school requirements, in addition to academic accomplishments and personal recommendations.

The other four scholarships are $500 Scholarcare renewable scholarships. This award is available for up to four years, and is presented to a graduating senior who can benefit from the money as well as a little extra personal encouragement and care packages that JATC members provide monthly throughout the year. This year Morgan Cogbil from Hollister High School was selected to receive this award based on her personal essay and recommendations accompanying her application. She joins three other Scholarcare Students: Kelsie Thomas, a graduate of Bradleyville High school, and Ashley Shockey and Shana Topka, both graduates of Branson High School who all met the eligibility requirements to renew their scholarship awards.

JATC is proud to be able to provide support and encouragement to these students as they pursue their education and move into adulthood. These Scholarships and Scholarcare Awards are just one of the many projects and services offered in Taney County by the members of JATC. More information about the organization and its projects 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 Bobbie Wydeen, Membership Chair at (417) 699-4728.

JATC is more than a nonprofit organization, it’s a group of women united by a single cause and dedicated to helping the children of Taney County. That’s the magic of JATC. It was chartered by a group of caring, enthusiastic women in 1998 and continues to grow and thrive throughout Taney County. Approximately 50 members annually contribute more than 4,000 volunteer hours as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County.

JATC projects include Prom Dress Project, Tender Critters, Santa’s Gift House, School Supplies in January, College Readiness, Scholarships, Scholar Care, Homework Helpers and support for the Women’s Crisis Center. Members raise money for these projects through one major event – a fun Trivia Challenge with dinner, live entertainment, a raffle and a Silent Auction held in the spring each year. With great support from the community JAPTC raised over $20,000 this year at the 16th Annual Trivia Challenge

JATC is part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries (NAJA), a non-profit organization founded in 1941 with headquarters in Greenville, Mississippi. NAJA has more than 15,500 active, associate and life members in 98 chapters located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Their slogan is “Care Today-Character Tomorrow”.

Published: Branson Tri-Lakes News, June 1, 2016