Character Counts Program
Elementary schools in Scott County will soon be hosting skits, created and performed by students, which demonstrate the six pillars of character. A one-time grant from the Community Foundation has made this production possible.
In the skit, a group of students are trying to teach two aliens how people act on earth. They sing a song with six original verses to show the aliens how to use good character. Scotty Dog, the Scott County Mascot, will also have a role in the play.
Recently, a group of roughly fifteen students from Austin and Scottsburg Middle Schools have met with Bomar and Ritter to practice for the performance. Those from Austin Middle School are part of a selected teen group advised by Mrs. Ruth Long, a teacher at the Scott County Alternative Learning Center. Students from Scottsburg Middle School are part of the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club sponsored by Mrs. Jane Noggle.
For the last eight years, the Chamber of Commerce has overseen the Character Counts program, which encompasses this project. Last year, the Chamber obtained a grant for $3250 to fund the program. The puppets cost $1750 and were created by the Squallis Puppeteers Company in Louisville. The remaining $1500 went to Mary Bomar and Bob Ritter for their continued involvement. Ideally, the students will teach next year’s group of participants, and the program will continue for many years. Keith Colbert, Executive Director of the Chamber, explains this is a one-time grant, and there will be no need to obtain additional funding.
Bomar and Ritter have worked with students before on similar projects. They host immersive music seminars called Lyrics Alive at elementary schools around the country, working with students to create songs and then perform them for their respective schools. Bomar and Ritter also perform their own Americana music at various events.
Bomar, Ritter and the students are still working on the script. During practices, the students contribute to changes in pitch and diction of the songs. They will perform vocals while Scotty Dog explains the Earth world to the unknowing aliens.
A schedule of performances should be set very soon. Visit this site in the coming weeks for an update
Leadership Academy
This program is designed to assist in the development of leaders in our community.
W.K. Kellogg stated, “The purpose of leadership is to create a supportive environment where all people can thrive, and grow and live in peace with one another, thereby providing sustainability for future generations. It is therefore our desire that once you complete the leadership academy you
will become actively involved in improving our community.”
2010 Academy
The 2010 Leadership Academy has just completed. Participants were: Connie Blackburn, Kimberly Boyd, Christen Chronis, J. W. Fansler, Carla Hall, Chadwick Jones, Wilma Satterly, Maxine Smith, Jerel Taylor, Jaime Toppe and Syd Whitlock.
The class did an outstanding community project by collecting canned goods and cash at the Austin vs. Scottsburg basketball games with all the proceeds going to the Clearinghouse.
Objectives
Identify, educate, and encourage emerging leaders in the
community.Develop and encourage a potential for understanding and acceptance of civic responsibilities.
Inform the participants of both the problems and opportunities within the community.
Create a non-partisan forum where existing and emerging community leaders can meet and share their views with the leadership participants.
Encourage the creating, gathering, assessing and distributing of information valuable to the development of the community.
Identify critical public issues and take action where appropriate.
Form an Alumni Association, thus enhancing and creating systems of communication between present and past Leadership participants.
Who Should Attend the Academy?
All management level positions
Front line supervisors
Not-for-profit directors and board members
Organization officers and board members
Organization volunteers
Community activists
City and County government officials
Expectations from Participants
Please understand that full participation is necessary. There will be an introductory session lasting from 8:00- 5:00 p.m. Following this are eight to ten afternoon sessions. They usually last from 3:00- 7:00 p.m. and are held once a week at the Lifelong Learning Center.
Participants must attend at least eight of these sessions, or provide a valid excuse for their absence, in order to receive a diploma.
Also, each year the group must participate in one service project to improve our community in the months that follow the completion of this program.
Junior Academy & Junior Achievement
Dollar and Sense Program
Dollars & Sense sessions are held in the Scottsburg Middle School. These sessions teach students about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy through experience and hands-on programs.