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Sheila Speaks, left, secured a grant for Verbena High School and the Verbena Annex from the Lake Mitchell HOBO. (MARIE BUTTS | CONTRIBUTED)

Macey Gentry, left, was awarded a grant for take-home and classroom books for Jemison Elementary School. (MARIE BUTTS | CONTRIBUTED)

Libby Coburn, left, was awarded a grant to help her students learn the life cycle of living organisms at Clanton Intermediate School. (MARIE BUTTS | CONTRIBUTED)

Aimee Dobbs, left, won a grant for an Animal Battle Book Series for her students at Clanton Intermediate School. (MARIE BUTTS | CONTRIBUTED)

Jacques Mitchell, left, of Central of Coosa County High School won a grant to support growing a garden with his students. (MARIE BUTTS | CONTRIBUTED)

Mary White, left, earned a grant to help her students a Central of Coosa County High School measure motion. (MARIE BUTTS | CONTRIBUTED)

By Peggy Bullard | Community Columnist

Lake Mitchell’s 2023 Poker Run was a huge success, although it was a lot of work. Those who planned the event and the dealers who set up on their piers worked hard to make it a successful and fun for all who participated. The dealers decorated their docks and dressed up to create a fun memory for all participants. For example, Gilligan’s Island. Each character from that show was represented, and yes, they did the hula for some entertainment. Many others set up drink and snack bars so you might receive refreshments when you stopped in to pick your card. The real success came from those who participated. The Lake Mitchell Home Owners and Boat Owners Association raised over $8,000 dollars to support educational endeavors in Chilton and Coosa Counties.

The association along with the funds raised by the Poker Run funded two $2,000 scholarships to two students and gave the following grants:

Sheila Speaks, Verbena High School of Chilton County — Indoor/Outdoor Casting Pack

Macey Gentry, Jemison Elementary School of Chilton County — Take-Home and Classroom Books

Libby Coburn, Clanton Intermediate School — Life Cycle of Living Organisms Project

Aimee Dobbs, Clanton Intermediate School — Animal Battle Book Series

Verbena Annex — New Playground Structure

Jacques Mitchell, Central High School of Coosa County — Growing a Garden

Mary White, Central High School of Coosa County — Measuring Motion

Each of these teachers applied for grants and the HOBO and our Educational Committee are delighted to be a part of projects that will touch the lives of many children not just this year, but in years to come.

Thank you to all who participated in the Poker Run this year. You made the scholarships and grants possible. We could not do it without you.

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