In late July, our team of AmeriCorps members came together for an end-of-year celebration in Corbin, Kentucky. Over the past year, 43 dedicated individuals completed 54,290 hours of service to children and families across 21 partner public schools in Bell, Floyd, Knott, Leslie, and Perry Counties. As a direct result of their efforts, more than 800 children have gained greater confidence and skills in their reading ability, which has provided a solid foundation for future academic success.
We hear time and time again that completing a year of service with Hindman through our ReadingCorps project is much more than just a job for our team members. “I want my students to always know how capable they are in this life,” one AmeriCorps member shared in their post-service reflection. “I want them to know they can do anything they set their minds to.”
All of our members were recognized during an awards presentation following a delicious luncheon provided by The Wrigley Appalachian Eatery. In addition to the annual service awards, several members were recognized for reaching milestones in their service. Those individuals who have completed three terms with AmeriCorps were commissioned as Kentucky Colonels.
Those individuals who completed the four terms, the maximum number of service terms permitted by AmeriCorps, and a minimum of 5,000 hours were presented with The President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award.
A full gallery of all photos from the awards presentation is available on our social media pages.
Following the luncheon, the festivities moved down the block for an afternoon of fun (and desserts!) with members and their families at Tomahawk’s. From axe-throwing to billiards and corn hole to giant Jenga, there was something for everyone to enjoy!
On behalf of the entire staff of Hindman and our public school partners, we extend our deepest gratitude to our fourth cohort of AmeriCorps members who have supported the Settlement’s mission of changing lives throughout central Appalachia.
