Teens Changing Gaston County made their mark on the Foundation’s grant cycle at their January meeting.
Teens Changing Gaston County (TCGC) gives Gaston County students the opportunity to submit grant proposals to initiate and execute projects with partner nonprofit agencies.
At the first meeting of the new year, the TCGC Board, after healthy and productive debate, voted to distribute just under $5,000 from the TCGC endowment to eight worthwhile projects.
• Madison Darnell, 12th grader, Highland School of Technology
This $1,000 grant to Catherine’s House, a transitional facility for women and their children experiencing homelessness, will renovate the downstairs bathrooms, get a new TV for the playroom, and invest in whiteboards to help the staff with resident information.
• Garret Drenth, 10th grader, East Gaston High School
A $400 grant to Tarheel Trailblazers will replace an existing bridge within the George Poston Park trail system that is in disrepair due to erosion.
• Rex Dover, 12th grader, South Point High School
Abilities Tennis—Belmont Chapter is an ongoing program providing tennis lessons to individuals with intellectual disabilities. This grant for $199.99 is to provide proper indoor equipment to allow the program to continue offering high-quality instruction year-round, even during rainy or cold weather.
• Rex Dover, 12th grader, South Point High School
This $280 grant will support a series of academic enrichment workshops for students in United Tennis Organization. Following tennis lessons, spelling instruction and STEM projects will be offered to students to encourage enthusiasm for reading and the sciences.
• Saundra Fann, 11th grader, South Point High School
This grant for $967.62 for Strong Like AK will fund the creation of welcome baskets and restock food for families that live in one of the SLAK houses while their child is receiving cancer treatment at Levine Cancer Institute.
• Tupelo Guzauskas, 12th grader, Ashbrook High School, and Abby Helms, 11th grader, Ashbrook High School
This $800 grant for HELP Carolina, Inc. will fund the purchase of necessary items to go into care bags, which will be packed by the TCGC Board, then distributed to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Audrey Leazer, 12th grader, Stuart Cramer High School
A $550 grant will bring First Tee of Greater Charlotte into at least two Gaston County Title I schools. First Tee provides lessons that combine life, golf, and motor skills to students who would ordinarily not be exposed to the sport.
• Zaniah McDowell, 12th grader, Piedmont Community Charter School
Fueling Futures: One Need at a Time will support Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Gaston’s youth and college-bound students with a grant of $800. Half of the funds will provide after-school snacks for Boys & Girls Club students, and the other half will assist students entering college with essential supplies, hygiene items, and basic needs.
