Jordan Shoemaker, Kaylynn Miller and Caroline Stump show off the new artist smocks. Photos provided by Kosciusko Community Foundation.

News Release

WARSAW — In the most recent Kosciusko Endowment Youth Services grant cycle, nearly $8,000 was awarded to 15 recipients including Akron, Harrison, Pierceton, Sacred Heart Catholic elementary schools; Lakeland Christian Academy, Little Cats Early Learning Center, Rose Garden Recovery Community, Tippecanoe Valley and Warsaw Community high schools and Washington STEM Academy.

At Tippecanoe Valley High School, Lisa Lynch teaches a thriving visual arts program. “Art has a huge impact on students,” Lynch said. “It gives them an outlet to express their feelings in a safe way. It also boosts self-esteem and builds confidence.” Students int he art program come away with skills they will use in the workforce, such as creativity, patience and problem-solving.

Kendall Craig is shown with Mugge after using the stamping tool purchased with the KEYS grant.

The art program recently received a KEYS grant. With the grant, the school purchased easels for painting and displays, stamps to personalize clay pieces and artist smocks. “We appreciate the KEYS grant and the Community Foundation so much,” Lynch added. “The grant helps support all the wonderful things art provides for our students.”

KEYS is a youth philanthropy program of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. It is comprised of 20 students who attend the four high schools located in Kosciusko County: Lakeland Christian Academy, Tippecanoe Valley, Warsaw Community and Wawasee. Students are selected to join in eighth grand and remain active members in the program until they graduate from high school.

KEYS members learn about philanthropy, teamwork, nonprofit governance, leadership and service to their community. As a grant-making body, they recommend grants supporting education in our community. Last year, they recommended nearly $29,000 in grants to educators and nonprofits.

KEYS grant applications are due on Jan. 15 and Sept. 15 each year. Learn more and apply at kcfoundation.org/grants/keys-grants.