Latest news with #MuhlenbergCounty
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Muhlenberg County to receive $1M in grants from Felix Martin Foundation
The Felix E. Martin Jr. Foundation announced more than $1 million in grants to Muhlenberg County groups and nonprofit organizations, including a $400,000 grant to help middle school and high school students prepare for college and careers. The foundation was created in 2008 by Felix E. Martin Jr., a Greenville native and World War II and Korea veteran who worked as an engineer and public relations supervisor for Southern Bell Telephone Co. After inheriting about $270,000 from his father, Martin went into investing and amassed an estate worth more than $60 million at the time of his death in 2007. According to the foundation's website, Martin left $50 million of his estate to create the organization, which focuses solely on 'the education, civic and cultural needs of the residents of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.' The $400,000 to Muhlenberg County Public Schools will go toward a number of programs. A press release from the Martin Foundation Friday said the funds will provide continued support to the 'Muhlenberg Achieves' program and the 'Ignite' program. 'Muhlenberg Achieves' aims at helping students prepare for college and post-secondary certifications. The 'Ignite' program is for middle school students, providing 'mentorship, career exploration and life skills lessons.' The foundation's education grant will also be used to help adult learnings seeking to complete their high school education through the 'GED Learn & Earn' program. The grant also provides funds to the Muhlenber Civic Leadership Institute, a leadership program. Carla Embry, community relations specialist for Muhlenberg County Public Schools, said the foundation plays a large role in the county. 'There are lot of things the foundation is doing in our county,' Embry said. 'We are very fortunate.' The foundation also provided a $200,000 grant which will support initiative like the Chamber Youth Leadership Program, the Muhlenberg County Humane Society's 'spay and neuter days,' cleanup in Central City and Drakesboro and the county health department's 'Longest Day of Play' in June. The grant will also be used for ballfield improvements at county parks, walking trail improvements and for expungement assistance program through Muhlenberg Economic Growth Alliance. Finally, the foundation is providing $325,000 in community grants for local nonprofit groups. The foundation is taking applications for the new grant cycle, with the deadline to apply July 14. Organizations can apply for the grant through the foundation's website, According to a press release, the foundation has given out more than $43 million in grants since 2008. The organization's priorities are 'economic development, quality education and training, community development and quality of place, community engagement and collaboration, health and human services,' a press release says. Officials from the foundation could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Muhlenberg Class of 2025 move to next 'journey'
Michelle Burden, 17, said that from a young age that she wanted to be a soldier. 'I actually have a paper from when I was in kindergarten, I think, and I was in a little OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern) dress. It's the uniform, but it was a dress. And it (the paper) said that when I grow up, I want to be 'an army' (soldier),' she said. Burden walked the line Friday night as a member of Muhlenberg County High School's (MCHS) class of 2025, and, she said, she's also taking one step closer to her kindergarten dream. 'I am so nervous,' Burden said. 'Next month I leave for basic training for the Army, so, I'm extra nervous because this means I'm pushing forward into a new journey.' Assistant Principal Jill Stewart said that this year's graduation is commemorated by changes and transitions for the students. 'This class is going to be the first ones to graduate from the consolidated high school. Students moved from what was East and West to here, and they are the first class who did all four years here,' Stewart explained. 'And then, of course, this is our principal, Ken Carver's, last year, and his daughter graduates, too. So, there's a lot of big moments or a lot of, you know, big things. Big changes.' The class of 2025's valedictorian Jacob Whitehouse also understands that changes are happening. The 18-year-old is planning to enroll at Murray State University in the fall to major in engineering and physics with the goal of becoming a professional engineer. He said he's thankful that his hard work in high school paid off and allowed him to become class valedictorian, and that he spent some great moments going to the state championship with the academic team his sophomore year. 'I was a little nervous at first (for graduation), but now that I'm here, I really just feel excited and ready for it,' Whitehouse said. Stewart provided some words of wisdom to the class of 2025 as they prepared for their next season of life. 'It's OK if you don't know what you want to do right now. You'll figure it out eventually,' Stewart said. 'For some of you, it will take a little longer, and some of you will automatically know what you want to do, but it's OK if you don't know, too.' She closed by offering her former students, who she describes as 'phenomenal' and 'talented,' one more valuable piece of advice. 'One thing I always tell kids is to stay home as long as you can with Mom and Dad to give you mental support, monetary support,' Stewart said.'Stay as long as you can because you always have time. You're going to grow up anyway. So, don't rush it. You're rushing to graduate, and then you're going to be like, oh my gosh! Now, what's next?'
