ASHTABULA —
The Ashtabula Foundation is providing some Lakeside High School students with a memorable experience in serving their community. The students will distribute $5,000 in funds from the foundation to local 501(C)(3) non-profit organizations that they help choose.
The civic-minded students, who committed to the service project, formed The Lakeside Youth Philanthropy Group. They are seniors Austin Barbian and Raula Daniel Rodriguez, juniors Keely Neal and Anthony Pratt, sophomores Indianelys Cosme, Gabby Novak, Neishmarie Mercado and Valeria Aguinaga, and freshmen Brianna Cimorell, Tessa Nicole Roloson and Quindon Harris.
“We’re just in the beginning stages,” said Michele Verdi-Enriquez, freshman science teacher and advisor to the group.
Verdi-Enriquez participates in local ministries, school drives that support needy families and leadership camps for youth that foster personal development and being a positive influence to others.
She said Lakeside is the second school chosen by the Ashtabula Foundation to participate in the project. In 2010 Grand Valley High School began receiving annual grants to distribute to non-profit agencies selected by students. After approval from the foundation, their student philanthropy board handed out endowments to Country Neighbor, Conversation Station, Grand Valley Public Library and others.
“The Lakeside students will go to local non-profit organizations to interview them and see what’s being done there,” said Verdi-Enriquez.
She said the agencies will say what they plan to do with the grant money if they receive it. The students will decide which are most deserving and the amount each will receive from the $5,000 grant. Those approved by the Ashtabula Foundation will be awarded funds based on the students’ findings and recommendations.
“Trustees from the Ashtabula Foundation will meet with the students to advise and guide them,” said Roberta Martin, the foundation’s administrator.
“The Ashtabula Foundation wants youth to get involved in the community. The philanthropy group will develop a desire to help others that will continue throughout their lives. They’ll see how people get help and be part of it,” said Verdi.
Local News
Related Photos
-
WARREN DILLAWAY / Star Beacon THE RECENTLY formed Lakeside Youth Philanthropy Group will be making the decision on what groups will receive grants from $5,000 provided by the Ashtabula Foundation. (From left front row) Valerie Aguinaga, Indianelys Cosme, Brianna Cimorell and Gabriella Novak. (From left second row) Anthony Pratt, Neishmarie Mercado, Ashley Stowers and Frances Rivas. (From left top row) Austin Barbian, Michele Verdi-Enriquez (advisor) and Quindon Harris.
Discussion
Lakeside High School Youth Philanthropy Group contributing to community
- Local News
-
-
Fifth man in Ashtabula murder case pleads guilty to kidnapping
Now it’s five out of six.
-
Walnut Beach restrooms and concessions will be ready in time for summer
They are working on the restrooms at the Walnut Beach concession stand in preparation for the summer season, but the city still is looking for a concessionaire, City Manager Jim Timonere said.
-
Catholic community saddened by loss of the Rev. Charles Poore
The Catholic community is mourning the loss the Rev. Charles Poore, who lost his battle with cancer Thursday.
-
A bit of the farm may come to Ashtabula's Main Avenue
Rich red tomatoes, bright green peppers and farm fresh eggs — this is what the Downtown Ashtabula Farmers’ Market envisions for Main Avenue.
-
Blessing of the Fleet is tonight at Ashtabula Harbor Public Dock
The tradition of blessing area mariners began more than 60 years ago in the Ashtabula Harbor.
-
Conneaut’s school board honors employees, retirees
Several Conneaut teachers and a handful of retirees received accolades at Wednesday night’s Conneaut Board of Education meeting.
-
Saybrook Township firefighters receive federal grant for equipment
Saybrook Township Fire Department was awarded $41,510 in federal funding to purchase new equipment.
-
Pairings inks lease agreement, gets new sponsor
It’s been an eventful week fo the Pairings Wine and Culinary Experience, director Jennifer Brown said, as the wine and food center became the pending leasee of the former Geneva Elementary property and gained another major sponsor.
-
Plymouth Township man dies in backhoe accident
A Garrison Road man, known as an avid outdoorsman, died in a backhoe accident while working in his yard Wednesday night, authorities said.
-
Track/field facility could see start soon in Conneaut
Nearly a generation of Conneaut scholastic track athletes have never known a home meet, thanks to a course that fell short of state requirements. That could change next year.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Fifth man in Ashtabula murder case pleads guilty to kidnapping
