2016-2017 Programs
2015 MCHS Blood Drive
The Mustangs YSC teamed up with Melissa Willoughby’s Biomedical class and the American Red Cross once again as they coordinated the first of five blood drives that will be happening for the students & faculty of MCHS this school year! The students in her class participated in registering and organizing students to have their blood drawn by the friendly folks from the local chapter of the Red Cross. Thanks to Mrs. Willoughby for providing a great hands-on experience for the students and for partnering with the Mustangs YSC in this effort!
Non-Profit Volunteer Fair
The Mustang’s Youth Services Center coordinated its first “Nonprofit Volunteer Fair” for the students at MCHS. Community agencies came to MCHS over several days and set-up display tables during lunch to involve students and show them what volunteer opportunities are available in our community. Students stopped by the booths, received information about the organizations and signed up to volunteer! Our students are always seeking ways to give back to the community, causes for their clubs/organizations and different ways to build their resume.
Partnering organizations included: Hope Unlimited Family Care Center, Paducah Cooperative Ministry, The Senior Center, United Way, Family Service Society, Merryman House and Cassidy’s Cause.
We are so proud of our students and their willingness to give back! Thank YOU to all of the partnering organizations for investing in our students at MCHS!
2015 Project United
McCracken County High School’s Leadership Development classes, led by Amber Clapp, and the Mustang’s Youth Services Center partnered together in a half day full of volunteering and community service. As part of the United Way’s Project United initiative, 30 MCHS students in conjunction with about 400 other community volunteers and various organizations, were able to help paint a house for Midwest Alliance of Neighbors in Paducah! A project like this would have cost the homeowner hundreds of dollars to hire a professional or weeks of their own time to complete the work! We are so proud of our students and their willingness to give back!
For more information about the Mustangs YSC contact Stacy Thomas at 538-4370 or stacy.thomas@mccracken.kyschools.us
To check out our posts from the 2014-2015 school year click HERE.
To check out our posts from the 2013-2014 school year HERE.
Workforce Workshop
The Mustang Youth Services Center partnered with the City of Paducah Parks & Recreation by providing a college & career development workshop for the Student Government at MCHS entitled “Workforce WORTHshop: Do You Have What It Takes?” Students participated in this half-day, interactive workshop which provided sessions on resume writing/interviewing skills, filling out job applications, conflict resolution, creating a healthy lifestyle, setting goals and leadership. Presenters included: Joni Goodman, KeeFORCE; Stacey Young, Baptist Health Paducah; Robert Tashjian, UK Cooperative Extension; Amie Clark, City of Paducah; Melanie Egner-Cole, EXL7 Bootcamp; and Michael Ceglinski, MCHS. Each student who completed the entire workshop received a “Certificate of Completion” to be used when applying for jobs, scholarships, internships and a professional development training experience of which they can include on their resumes.
Nonprofit agencies were also invited to provide information about their organizations, the services they offer to the community and how students can get involved. Special thanks to Aida Vega (Hope Unlimited), Niki Jehnke (Merryman House) and Monique Zuber (United Way – Paducah). Thanks to ALL of our business partners and presenters for volunteering their time to help our students!
Students participants include: Madelyn Buckingham, Carter Bullard, Barton Christmas, Erika Crowell, Evan Dowell, Robin Ford, Jackson Gray, Joshua Grogan, Allison Housman, Elizabeth Noonan, Emily Perry, Caleigh Propes, Jordan Russell, Vincent Shiben, Olivia Sin, Caroline Smith, Kourtney Stevens, Jacob Weitlauf and Hannah White.
For more information about the Mustangs YSC contact Stacy Thomas at 538-4370 or stacy.thomas@mccracken.kyschools.us
2015 MCHS College and Career Fair
The Mustangs Youth Services Center partnered with Regional businesses and colleges in its 2015 MCHS College & Career Fair. Over 50 representatives were present to provide information for ALL of the Juniors & Seniors at MCHS! Students rotated in 30-minute increments and were able to network, receive information and learn more about colleges and careers as they plan towards the future.
Special thanks to Chick-fil-a free-standing store for sponsoring our coffee service and to Texas Roadhouse for sponsoring lunch for all of our vendors! We also would like to send a shout-out to our MCHS student government for working the fair and showing our community what great leadership we have in our student body!
Reality Store 2015
The Mustang Youth Services Center partnered with the UK 4-H Extension office in Paducah to bring students to the annual Reality Store. The Reality Store program began in McCracken County in 1998. This program introduces youth to the “realities” associated with adulthood–provision of food, clothing, shelter, etc. for a family and how these relate to career choices. Upon arrival at the simulation, students receive the equivalent of one month’s salary for the career they have chosen or been given. Participants go through the “store” purchasing housing, transportation, childcare, etc. They quickly see the value of having to budget that income based on needs versus wants. By the end of the simulation, students usually see a relationship between career, lifestyle, and education.
The “Reality Store” is gaining popularity as an introductory exercise in helping youth understand some of the “realities” involved in preparing for an employable future. The exercise is designed to be a tool to grab their attention so they will choose to involve themselves in a more substantive “curriculum” oriented workforce preparation.
Over 100 students through the Family & Consumer Science and Leadership Development classes at MCHS participated this month.
Hope Unlimited 2015
Mustangs YSC partnered with Hope Unlimited, INC to bring Sexual Integrity presentations BACK to MCHS classrooms. Hope Unlimited’s Young Adult Development Coordinator uses the evidence-based, abstinence-centered sex education curricula called Choosing the Best. Their mission is to educate teens on the health advantages of delayed sexual activity and empower them to make the healthiest choices, in order to reduce unplanned pregnancies and STDs, improving life outcomes for teens and their families.
Pictured is Keisha Hopkins as she presents to Mary Meinschein’s health education class!
FAFSA Workshop 2014-2015
MCHS Guidance Counselors partnered with KHEAA and other higher education representatives to provide a free FAFSA workshop for parents and students on January 12-13. Participants received hands-on information on how to fill out the FAFSA application to receive financial for the upcoming school-year for colleges and universities. Representatives were available to assist parents through the process of submitting the proper documentation for students to be able to receive money for college.
For more information about the KHEAA financial aid workshops, please contact Brittany Thompson, MCHS Kentucky College Coach at brittany.thompson@mccracken.kyschools.us.
MCHS Christmas 2014
One of our favorites here at the Mustang YSC – Advisory Council member and community partner Tammy Partain! Tammy is helping to spread some Christmas cheer from Federal Materials, Inc.