Eight (8) Taney County students are heading off to college with a little help from Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC). Four seniors, one from each of the county’s high schools, received $1000.00 scholarships based mainly on their outstanding service to their community: Natalie Mooney, Bradleyville; Grace Tate, Branson; Kollin Kolb, Forsyth; and Isaac Qualls, Hollister.

Three (3) other students were able to renew their awards for JATC’s ScholarCare program: Bryce Reinke, Branson (3rd year recipient); Kayli Nimmo, Branson (3rd year recipient), and Kylie Calhoun, Forsyth (2nd year recipient). In addition, a fourth ScholarCare student was added: Cooper Saxton, Branson (1st year recipient). Each will receive a $1000.00 scholarship for this year, as well as regular treats and encouragement throughout the school year from JATC members. ScholarCare students have their scholarships (and support) renewed for up to four years as long as they continue in school and maintain an acceptable grade point average.

These scholarships are just one of the many projects funded and carried out by JATC members. Periodically, JATC assesses the community’s needs and establishes service projects to address those needs. Many projects have been sustained for years, such as these scholarships, prom dresses for girls in need, stuffed animals for children in the local hospital, mid-year replenishment of school supplies and hygiene products for Taney County elementary schools, Santa’s Gift House where children may buy up to 4 items made by JATC members for a nominal cost, and support for the Crisis Center.

One of our newer projects is Kindness Effect Cards Project where JA members, their neighbors, children or grandchildren, various school classes, etc. write cards of encouragement to residents of assisted living facilities or nursing homes. JATC members raise money for these projects primarily through one major event held annually in the Fall: a lively and entertaining Trivia Challenge which includes dinner, live entertainment and a Silent Auction. Save the date on September 17, 2022, for this year’s 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 14,500 active, associate and life members with approximately 100 chapters located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. Their slogan is “Caring Hearts, Helping Hands, and Changing Lives”. The Taney County Chapter of Junior Auxiliaries, JATC, was established by a group of caring, enthusiastic women in 1997 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.

More information on JATC can be found on their Facebook page, Junior Auxiliary of Taney County, website www.jatcmo.org or via email at jatcmo@gmail.com. More information on NAJA can be found at www.najanet.org.

Published by: Branson Globe, Wednesday, June 8, 2022; Branson Tri-Lakes News. Saturday, June 10, 2022