Emery County commissioners approve youth donations and sponsorships

The Emery County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 approved a series of small donations to support local youth programs and students.

The board voted to extend a $250 honor-band donation to two additional students, Mary and Sierra Horrocks, who will travel to perform and compete out of state. The motion to add the participants was moved and seconded and carried unanimously during the meeting.

Student Izzy Turner, who said she was accepted to the Governor's Honors Academy at Southern Utah University, told commissioners the nine-day program admits about 50 students statewide and that applicants number “almost 300.” Turner asked the commission for help covering costs; commissioners approved a $250 donation. Turner agreed to return and report on her experience after the program.

Representatives of the Huntington Elementary archery team told the board the squad qualified to compete in both 3-D and bullseye divisions at the national tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, scheduled June 5–7. Team representative Reina Sherman and student participants described the team’s practices, coaches Jody Carter and Justin Carter, and equipment. Commissioners learned 13 students planned to attend and moved to approve $200 per person; the motion passed.

Why it matters: The donations are routine discretionary support from the commission’s community and tourism funds and enable students and youth teams to participate in statewide and national educational and athletic programs. Commissioners asked for follow-up photos or presentations from teams and students to document outcomes.

What’s next: Recipients indicated they would share updates or photos with the commission after the events.