Submitted photos Elkins High School teacher Leah Devine is presented with a grant in the amount of $787 to enhance language acquisition through hands-on preparation of traditional foods from Spanish speaking communities. Elkins Rotary Grant Chair Tammie Rizzio and President Phillips Kolsun present Devine with the grant.

The Rotary Club of Elkins held its second annual International Festival at the Rotary Amphitheatre at the Elkins Town Square. During the event, there was entertainment,food and beverage vendors, children’s games, prize drawings, Irish Road Bowling and a corn hole tournament. Representatives of the Randolph County Humane Society and the Interact Children’s Museum were also present, providing additional activities for those in attendance.

The proceeds from the event provided over $13,000 in grants to 10 local schools and libraries.

Elkins High School received a grant in the amount of $737 to support the Spanish language program. Materials provided by the grant will be used to prepare recipes from Spanish speaking countries.

“Learning a world language through delicious, hands-on acquisition is not only memorable, but also effective and fun,”Elkins High School teacher Leah Devine said. “We are able to aid students in learning Spanish while also building confidence in the kitchen.”

Elkins Middle School’s Tiffany Hymes submitted a grant directed toward supporting differentiated reading instruction and helping students become more consistent and focused readers. The grant, in the amount of $847, will provide high-interest books, book bins, additional seating and a number of other necessary supplies in the reading area.

“Students will develop responsibility by using a simple library checkout system and helping maintain the organization of a reading space,” said Hymes.

The Elkins-Randolph County Library received $1,800 to support its summer reading program. The program offers opportunity for the development of reading skills, group interaction and small project work.

“The program targets younger ages, kindergarten through 5th grade, but also engages pre-teens and older siblings along with their parents and guardians,” said library board President Jennifer Morgan. The summer reading program will benefit between 50 and 100 local children.

Pickens High School will be directing its grant proceeds to support its Lifelong Reader initiative.The school will use its $1,400.00 grant to create a designated space specifically tailored for high school students.

“High school students share a space with younger students, limiting access to age-appropriate materials and a quiet, productive atmosphere for advanced study,” Shana Morgan, volunteer librarian, said. Additional shelving units, decor, seating, a school branded rug and a number of new books will be purchased.

Pioneer Memorial Library in Harman received $1,600 to enhance its technology offerings and create an environment where children can play in comfort and safety while parents visit the library.

“With funding we would be in a position to subscribe to apps that our young patrons would make use of,” library director Rosemary Musandipa, said.

Additionally, funds received will be used to purchase umbrellas to enhance the outdoor seating area that was partially funded by the Rotary Club of Elkins in the past.

The Randolph Technical Center received a grant in the amount of $2,000 to purchase equipment and create a simulated journalism workplace.

“In our simulated workplace environment, students develop a professional portfolio and operate the center’s social media profiles, preparing them for immediate careers in visual communications, multimedia design and news media,” said Summer Grose. “The Randolph Technical Center program moves students into a multi-year career pathway.”

Russell Memorial Library in Mill Creek will use its grant funds for an after school book club that will be open to students from the Mill Creek area as well as any other local students who are willing to travel to the library. The library received $1,500 that will be used to purchase books, movie tickets, snacks and a movie license.

“On alternating Thursdays, elementary students will attend a themed story time featuring a reading, a snack, a craft and a game. On opposite Thursdays, middle and high school students will meet to discuss books and watch the movie adaptations with snacks provided,” said Joanna Rennix.

T

hird Ward Elementary School received $234 to enhance its special needs library. According to teacher Elizabeth Douglas, the enhancements will benefit 127 special education students and will, “help student build essential vocabulary, improve comprehension and develop a position connection to reading.” The project’s main goals include increasing vocabulary development, enhancing early literacy and comprehension skills and promoting engagement through multisensory learning.

Tygarts Valley Middle/High School received $2,420.98 to purchase six new worktables for the art classroom. “Countless art projects will be created on these tables,” said teacher Natalie Josimovich.

“Students are always excited when they first see their art room and I want to be able to offer then sturdy tables to support their creativity for years to come.

Valley Head Library will be purchasing a 3D printer and supplies with its grant of $700.

“These items will be utilized by the library to serve STEM programming, update library supplies and serve public use for our community,” said library director Nicole Matthew.

The Rotary Club of Elkins has made a long-standing commitment to support education and educational opportunities for the young people of Randolph County. Tammie Rizzio, Grant Chair, stated, “we are thrilled to support our educators in their pursuit of creating fun, innovative and engaging learning opportunities for young people in the school and library settings. The projects proposed this year were exceptionally innovative and we can’t wait to see them executed.”

Funds were raised through sponsorships, ticket raffles and donations. “Our public schools and libraries grants would not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors, ticket holders, food vendors and community members’ donations. We are appreciative of the community’s support for this project and could not be as successful without them,” Rizzio commented.

Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in their communities, and in themselves. Visit www.Rotary.org to learn more about Rotary International, visit the club’s Facebook page – Rotary Club of Elkins – or contact 2025-2026 club president Phillips Kolsun at phillipskolsun@gmail.com for more information about the Rotary Club of Elkins.