Leitchfield high school seniors propose community market-style fundraiser to pay for trip and class gifts

Daniel Ratley, identified to the council as the senior class president, asked the Leitchfield City Council to support a community market–style fundraiser to raise money for a senior trip, a yet-to-be-finalized class gift and graduation expenses. “We spoke to the mayor … we’ve brainstormed many ideas with Officer Melton,” Ratley said, outlining plans to model the event on the East Main Market with bands, choir and student performers and QR-code voting for audience favorites.

Ratley said organizers are targeting community events in February and March to promote the fundraiser and listed potential locations including the high school, the middle school and Radiant Church. He said he had discussed staging and layout with Principal Mr. Decker and East Main Market organizer Ilsa Johnson, and that student volunteers and sports-team donations (sign memorabilia auctions) would be part of the revenue plan.

Council members responded with practical support: one member said the council could provide a stage and help with security, and the mayor offered to promote the event on city social media once organizers provide a flyer. Several council members encouraged broader school outreach to involve elementary and middle school families.

The council did not take formal action beyond expressing support and offering logistical help and promotion. The most immediate next steps Ratley described were finalizing a date and site, confirming vendor logistics (food trucks and electricity), and following up with market organizers and school administrators.