Archives 11-30-2005

News

State Bound
Overton County schools receive LEAP grants
Christmas in the Country kicks off

State Bound

Dewain E. Peek/OCN Sports
Livingston Academy Wildcats players and fans celebrate on the field at Tom Davis Memorial Stadium after the 48-34 Class 3A State Semifinal victory on Friday, Nov. 25. The win over Notre Dame of Chattanooga moves the Wildcats into the BlueCross Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 3, where LA will face the Mustangs of David Lipscomb at noon in the Class 3A championship game played at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. Tickets are being sold at Livingston Academy and at area banks for $10 each, of which LA will receive $5 on each locally sold ticket, and $1 each for tickets purchased at the gate on Saturday.

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Overton County schools receive LEAP grants

Three Overton County schools have received Lottery Education Afterschool Program (LEAP) grants, according to Governor Phil Bredesen.

A.H. Roberts Elementary School received $47,000, while Allons Elementary School received $32,000, and Rickman Elementary School received $50,000.

These programs serve school age children across the county. LEAP awards grants to high quality local programs that serve at-risk students. This is the second round of grant awards this year.

"The grants that are made available in excess lottery funds support programs that make a significant difference in the education of children across the state," Gov. Bredesen said. "Afterschool programs work hand-in-hand with local schools to provide extra instruction that engages at-risk students, and I'm pleased we're able to provide these grants to communities across the state."

A total of 58 afterschool programs will receive a total of $3.8 million in unclaimed lottery prize money. Each program receiving grant funds submitted an application documenting their proven performance in the community.

State Senator Charlotte Burks said, "Too many children are unsupervised between the time the school doors close and parents get home from work. This funding will help give children educational, safe, and exciting places to spend their time after school."

Competitive grants were awarded earlier this year to 20 afterschool programs across the state. This round of awards was made possible through the remaining excess lottery funds. Legislators established strict guidelines for eligible participants. Each applicant demonstrated their dedication to providing the following service priorities:

Services to students on an average of 15 hours per week;

Reading skills development;

Math or science skills development;

Computer literacy and skills development;

Academic mentoring or tutorial assistance;

Sports or leisure opportunities.

Department of Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said, "I am excited we are able to provide these funds to so many afterschool programs that further the state's educational goals. Afterschool programs supplement students' needs in core academic subjects.

"This added assistance can make a difference for children who do not have access to extra educational programs."

Additional information on the LEAP grants is available online at www.tennessee.gov/education/sp/afterschool.

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Christmas in the Country kicks off

Darren Oliver/OCN staff
The first night of Christmas in the Country kicked off Friday night, Nov. 25 with Livingston Mayor Frank Martin and a crowd of folks enjoying the atmosphere. Scheduled for this Friday, Dec. 2 on the square is community caroling to be performed by First Baptist Church of Livingston and the American Heritage Girls, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts from the Rickman community. Also on Friday will be a visit from Santa Claus. Parents are invited to bring their children to the square to meet him. Anyone interested in participating in the caroling may call Pam Sadler at (931) 823-7257.

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Overton County News
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