SCHENEXUS October 2011 2011-2012 JLSS Officers President: Julie White Eklund President-Elect: Mary Catherine White Treasurer: Patty Christensen Secretary: Paula Ohlhous Committee Chairs Communications: Leesa Perazzo Community: Shannon Kelly Stephanie Russell Membership: Traci Koppenhafer Jae Tracey Ways & Means: Mary Catherine White Staci Marra Nominating: Sarah Stotz Supporting Roles Schenexus Editor: Deanna Fox Sustainer Advisors: Barbara Landon NYSPAC Delegate: Kathy Van Allen
JLSS Creates Another Successful OBTS Campaign Since 2003, Operation Back to School has distributed backpacks to over 8,000 students with supplies valued at $70,000. In 2010, the Junior League partnered with Schenectady Community College and Schenectady City School district to start providing the Smart Scholars students with school supplies. Smart Scholars are students who receive extra academic support to make sure they are learning at grade level and ready to participate in rigorous collegiate courses. The purpose of the program is to increase high school and college completion rates for those historically left in the gap. It is also to reduce student tuition costs as a result of the compressed time needed to complete a college degree. We couldn’t have said it better than a smart scholar, “It makes me happy inside to know that college and high school is also important to others like me. I just wanted you to know that I appreciated what you guys have done for everyone.” And from one of our members, “I think the backpack thing is one of the best things I do. Giving supplies to kids that have the potential to be embarrassed or ridiculed because they lack them is wonderful.” As a means of thanks, the Board of Trustees for SCCC presented a Resolution of Appreciation to JLSS for our ongoing support of the Smart Scholars program. A huge thank you goes out to the individuals and special donors who continue to support OBTS. This year the donors included: Stewart’s Shops, Huntington Learning Center, David and Mary Catherine White, Fenimore Asset Management, and WGY Christmas Wish.