Youth Leadership students raise Habitat funds

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (Oct. 28, 2008)—The 2008-09 Youth Leadership class, comprised of 24 juniors and seniors from Bradley Central, Cleveland and Walker Valley High Schools, raised more than $2,500 for Cleveland’s Habitat for Humanity construction fund this year as part of their service project. They also contributed “sweat equity” recently by volunteering at a construction site and working at the Habitat Home Store.

Matt Carlson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, accepts a check for $$2540.40 from Youth Leadership students Megan McCracken, BCHS; Madeline Lee, WVHS; and Madyson Foster, CHS.

“The Youth Leadership students have continued to be blessing to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland through raising funds to contribute to a Habitat build and also volunteering on the construction site, volunteering their time to help a family in need,” Matt Carlson, executive director of the local Habitat affiliate, commented.

“Every year that Habitat works with these students, I’m amazed by their initiative and dedication to making a difference in the local community,” Carlson continued. “This type of community support and involvement from the Chamber of Commerce’s Youth Leadership group makes it easy to see that Cleveland has some incredible young people who are already stepping forward to be leaders in our schools and community.”

The fundraising goal for each school was $400, according to Sherry Crye, director of workforce development.

“The students used their own creativity and hard work to raise these funds,” Crye said, noting that fundraising projects included collecting funds at ballgames, bake sales, and a dodge ball game involving students and teachers. Cleveland High School raised $1,000 this year, its highest total to date. Walker Valley’s efforts netted $840.40, and Bradley Central raised $700.

Youth Leadership is a program of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce designed to prepare young people for leadership in Cleveland and Bradley County.

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