The Tilghman Area Youth Association (TAYA) has been busy getting back into action after having virtual programs for the past 2 ½ years due to COVID-19. TAYA was incorporated in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, formalizing an organization that had been running an afterschool enrichment program and providing assistance to Tilghman Elementary School since 2003. The TAYA mission is to enrich the lives of Tilghman area youth, by connecting them to each other, their families and their community. TAYA brings needed educational and social services to the Tilghman area and works with residents and other non-profits to improve the quality of life for youth and their families.
Photo Courtesy of Debbie Bright Gardner
May was an exciting month for the TAYA Diane L. Simison Scholarship program. With a larger than usual number of eligible graduating seniors, TAYA worked tirelessly to review the applications and raise sufficient funds to recognize all deserving applicants. Seven scholarships were awarded, a fourfold increase in the number of awards in any previous year. All of the awardees attended Tilghman Elementary School as well as the Tilghman After School Kids (TASK) program, and will be attending college in the Fall. The recipients are Julie Bridges, Avery Brown, Matthew Fisher, Macy Motovidlak, Teegan Murphy, Haley Sadler, and Stevie Shaak. Congratulations to our graduates.
Four new board members have joined TAYA and are welcomed by existing Board members Donna Archambault, Katie Fox, Krista Paquin and Cassidy Stewart. The new board members are local residents Ariel Fish, Arlene Mains, Nicole Sadler and Kelley Werner. These individuals bring a depth of skills in fundraising, children’s programs, social services, marketing, and program development. These individuals will be important contributors to TAYA’s plan to expand its enrichment programs, scholarships and community services.
Photo courtesy of Sharon Thorpe
An Independence Day and anniversary celebration was held on July 4th, honoringTAYA’s 11 years as an incorporated non-profit organization. The day included a parade, a cookout and a family softball game on the newly renovated Tilghman Elementary School baseball field. Over 200 families decorated their bikes and vehicles, and participated in a parade led by the Tilghman Fire Department engine that began at the Tilghman Wharf and ended at the school. Awaiting families at the school were rock painting, a bouncy house and a barbeque with all the fixings and sides, cake, snow cones and popcorn. Local businesses provided all of the food for the event which was free to the community. The field renovation project was led by TAYA and enabled by many local families and businesses who contributed supplies and muscle to make it happen.
For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/Tilghman-Area-Youth-Association-176848922381439
Instagram: @tilghman_area_youth_assoc
tilghmanyouth.org
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