www.addision-eagle.com
May 25, 2013
Vermont Eagle - 9
Teen raises funds for armored police-dog vest By Lou Varricchio
newmarketpress@denpubs. com VERGENNES „ Thirteenyear-old Annie Jackson, a student at Vergennes Union High School, has an interest in dogs and law enforcement. Like many teens with developing career interests, she wants to know as much about her passions as she possibly can. AnnieÍ s two interests merged recently when her 8th grade class was challenged to produce a capstone research project. The teen decided to learn about police dogs, known as K-9 units, and what their needs are both in and out of the field-of-duty. In addition to preparing a research paper, Annie decided to raise funds for a bulletproof synthetic dog vest for the Vergennes Police DepartmentÍ s K-9 unit, a dog named Akido. Annie set an $800 goal, the cost of the special vest, and enlisted family, friends, and local businesses to help. The team made various donations for a community vest raffle. She planned the raffle after she collected enough donated items to raise the needed funds for the armored vest. The teenÍ s parents Dianne and Steve Jackson, managers of RiverÍ s Edge Cottages and Campground, and grandmother Lynn Jackson Donnelly, got involved early as Annie amassed an impressive list of prizes. Covering one end of the Little City to another, Annie collected an interesting list of raffle prizes—items such as local gift cards from restaurants,
Annie Jackson and her dog Buddy Photo by Lou Varricchio
hair stylists, realtors, handmade items, and other items were included; even the VUHS Sewing Club, headed up by teacher Deb White, donated a student-made quilt. Recently, Annie awarded the raffle prizes and the $800 collected was presented to
Vergennes Police Chief George Merkel„ enough to cover the purchase of a level-three, bullet-proof Kevlar K-9 vest. As a special thank you to Annie, and a tip of the hat to her burgeoning interest in law enforcement and the art and science of training and
maintaining police dogs, Chief Merkel is bringing the teen along to the Vermont Police Academy in Pittsford. There she will see a police K-9 training session up close. ñ I canÍ t wait,î Annie said. ñ I learned a lot about law enforcement, K-9 units, and the community while working on this project.î WhatÍ s next for Annie, who can accomplish things when she sets her mind to it? Her plans are to study hard and continue to pursue a course of study that will someday merge her two great passions„ dogs and law enforcement.
GUARANTEED LOWEST INSTALLED PRICE OR YOUR At Time Of Sale TIRE IS
FREE
GOODYEAR • UNIROYAL • FIRESTONE • GENERAL TIRE DUNLOP • MICHELIN • BRIDGESTONE • B.F. GOODRICH • PIRELLI
89126
274 Quaker Rd. Queensbury, NY (across from Lowe’s) (518) 798-1056
VUHS student Annie Jackson presents a giant $800 check to Vergennes Police Chief George Merkel and Mel Hawley, Vergennes City manager. The funds will purchase a Kevlar vest for the city’s K-9 unit. Jackson raised the funds through a raffle with help from local businesses. BUY-SELL-TRADE With The Classified Superstore 1-800-989-4237
BROWN’S TREE & CRANE SERVICE Serving Vermont and New York for 35 Years
Bridal & Formalwear
• Cut • Removal of Dangerous Trees, Trees Trimmed • Stump Grinding • Crane Service • Trusses and Post • Beams Set
Bridal • Bridesmaids • Mother Flower Girl • Prom Gowns Tuxedos • Invitations • Veils Jewelry • Shoes
Reasonable Rates Our Service Available Year-Round
Fashion Corner
Call for FREE Estimates for Tree Service.
Bridal & Formalwear 4325 Main St., Port Henry, NY
(518) 546-7499
43831
24 Hour Emergency Service rvice
453-3351 - Office 475-2185 - Home 363-5619 - Cell
40290