The summer is upon us and schools are finished another year; but the next fiscal year is just beginning and the Gifted Services Department of the South Central Ohio Educational Service Center, in New Boston, Ohio, is asking for your support.

Thanks to the support of donors and sponsors last year, Sharee Price of the ESC Gifted Service Department said they were able to provide programs such as County Science Day, District Mock Trial, Summer Enrichment Scholarships and more, to nearly 1,000 students in 14 local school districts.

This year’s fundraising goal is $50,000.

“I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of our sponsors and volunteers for supporting our programs and our students. The community’s generosity and spirit of giving has been amazing,” Price said. “We are proud of our outreach to all students throughout the Scioto County area, even those not necessarily identified as ‘gifted.’ The mission of our department, and the ESC as a whole, is to promote excellence in education and to provide students in our local school districts the opportunity to participate in academically- and artistically-challenging programs which will enrich their lives.”

Among the programs provided last year, 119 students participated in the County Science Day, which also requires about 50 adult volunteers for judging and running of the event; 132 students participated in the District Mock Trial which requires about 18 volunteer lawyers and judges, as well as lawyers who volunteer to assist each of our 12 teams; 40 students benefitted from the Summer Enrichment Scholarships for gifted students , 50 students displayed art in the Visually Literate High School Art Exhibition, 50 students displayed art in the Memory Project and Youth Art Month Art Exhibition, and 199 students participated in the Scioto County Honors Music Festival . The ESC Gifted Service Department also provides the student Mentorship program which placed 42 students with adult volunteers last year; the High School Academic Competition for more than 200 students, and 200 more in the Middle School and Jr. High Quiz Bowl.

Programs such as these benefit all students and not just those identified “gifted” — only the Summer Enrichment Scholarships are reserved for gifted students — but without the continued support of donors and sponsors, these programs could be at risk.

“Our programs offer students something beyond what is offered at their individual schools and allows them to interact with students and teachers from different school districts, as well as community members,” Price said. “As a community we need to support our students because they are our future.”

To become a donor or a sponsor, contact Sharee Price at 740-354-0229, or e-mail [email protected]. Donations can be made to specific programs upon request.