Four deserving seniors were honored recently with college scholarships from Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC). JATC provided a $1000 non-renewable scholarship to graduating seniors of Taney County high schools. This year’s recipients were Arica Todd, Bradleyville; Johnathon Mutarelli, Branson; Braxton Gross, Forsyth; and Candace Benedicto, 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. Awards were presented during Awards Programs at the high schools by JATC members Colleen Neill and Shanna Tilley.

The fifth scholarship is a $1000 ScholarCare renewable scholarship. 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 August through April during the school year. This year Sylvie Barbour, Branson, was selected to receive this award based on a personal essay and recommendations accompanying her application. In addition, we will be renewing ScholarCare awards for three more students this year. These students are Kierra Greco, Branson (Year 2); Rajan Raghani, Branson (Year 2); and Gemma Reding, Forsyth (Year 3).

The ninth scholarship is going to Zoe Odom, Branson. This is the Joan Anderson Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of former member Joan Anderson. Joan passed away three years ago and JATC donated $500 for this scholarship which was matched by Joan’s family for a total of $1000. Students should be dedicated to pursuing a career in Business, IT, or Accounting. Zoe plans to attend the College of the Ozarks and major in Business Management.

We are also proud to announce that Kylie Calhoun, a graduate of Forsyth High School, has completed her four years with us as a ScholarCare student. Kylie graduated from college on May 2, 2025. In June she will go to Cincinnati, Ohio where she has a job as a manufacturing engineer for GE Aerospace. She’ll be working on jet engines and is super excited about this new phase in her life. All the ladies of JATC are proud of her success and excited for her future.

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 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 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 nearly 100 chapters located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Their slogan is “Caring Hearts—Helping Hands—Changing Lives”.

More information on JATC can be found on the Junior Auxiliary website JATCMO.ORG, their Facebook page, Junior Auxiliary of Taney County or via email at jatcmo@gmail.com.

Published by: AJ Fahr, Branson Tri-Lakes News, Saturday, May 31, 2025; KD Michaels, The Branson Globe, Friday, May 30, 2025