Four deserving seniors were honored recently with college scholarships from Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC). JATC provided a $750 non-renewable scholarship to a graduating senior at each of the four Taney County high schools. This year’s recipients were Cheyenne Brueggeman, Forsyth High School; Kambria Todd, Bradleyville High School; Nicole Soria, Hollister High School and James Larrimore, 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 three scholarships are $750 Scholarcare renewable scholarships. This award is available for up to four years and is presented to graduating seniors who can benefit from the money as well as receive a little extra personal encouragement and care packages that JATC members provide monthly throughout the year. This year Kayli Nimmo and Bryce Reinke from Branson High School and Matthew Conradson from Bradleyville High School were selected to receive this award based on their personal essays and peer recommendations.

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 their 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.

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 Tender Critters for children in trauma; Santa’s Gift House; College Scholarships for a senior at all four Taney County public high schools; Scholar Care provides financial and monthly support for a college student each year; Prom Dresses for girls in need; financial and labor support for the Women’s Crisis Center including birthday parties and kid therapy so that moms may attend counseling sessions; School Supplies “refreshment” in January for elementary schools in Eastern Taney County; as well as new projects that assist with emerging community needs.

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. This year’s event has been postponed to November due to COVID-19. It will be held at The Chateau on the Lake on November 14th. JATC also raises money from other events such as Belk’s Charity Days, AmazonSmile, Mr. G’s Annual JATC Days, grants and individual donations.

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 96 chapters located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Their slogan is “Care Today-Character Tomorrow”.