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: Madison Shipley, Bradleyville; Katelyn Patrick, Branson; Ashley Matthews, Forsyth; and Kyla McClintic, Hollister. 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.

A fifth $750 Scholarcare renewable scholarship award available for up to four years was 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 Kylie Calhoun, Forsyth was selected to receive this award based on personal essays and recommendations accompanying her application. We are also proud to announce that Kayli Nimmo and Bryce Reinke, both of Branson, qualified to renew their $750 ScholarCare awards. Bryce commented “Thank you very much for blessing me this year! God knew that I definitely needed some extra encouragement to get me through my first year at College of the Ozarks. Thank you again so much for all of your support throughout the year! “

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.

JATC projects also include: Book Swap where JA members exchange books once a month at three different extended stay motels to give children a chance to improve their reading skills; Tender Critters for children in trauma; Santa’s Gift House; Prom Dresses for girls in need; financial and labor support for the Crisis Center of Taney County including birthday parties and kid therapy so that moms may attend counseling sessions; Shoe Box Project filled with fun items such as Legos, Birdhouse kits, Sonic Sound magnets, Play-Doh, stickers, Silly Putty, coloring books and crayons, and delivered to Mark Twain and Bradleyville Elementary Schools for children in Pre-K through 4th Grade just in time for Spring Break to provide them with activities for Spring Break; and School Supplies “refreshment” in January for elementary schools in Eastern Taney County.

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.

Our major fundraiser - a fun Trivia Challenge with dinner, live entertainment and a Silent Auction - had to be canceled last year! THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE 20TH ANNUAL TRIVIA CHALLENGE HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 AT THE CHATEAU ON THE LAKE. We hope all our supporters will SAVE THE DATE and join us there. Support for our organization turns into support for the children in our community. And, as you all know, community support became even more essential

Published June 12, 2021 Branson Tri Lakes News