Schools, County Government Recognize Staff During FRYSC Appreciation Week

Local Group Making A Difference Year Round

L-R: Jamie Carnes, Supervisor of State and Federal Programs, Sherrell Thompson, FRC Secretary (KES and SEES), Alicia Edwards, FRC Coordinator (KES and SEES), Morgan Esters, YSC Coordinator (ECHS and ECMS), Natalie Stice, FRC Coordinator (EC 5/6 Center), Joanna Jaggers, YSC Secretary (ECHS and ECMS), Lisa Whobrey, Community Education Director, Edmonson County Schools.

Darren Doyle, story:
Members of the Family Resource and Youth Services Centers for Edmonson County Schools were recognized as Edmonson County Judge/Executive Scott Lindsey signed a proclamation in honor of "Family Resource and Youth Services Coordinators Appreciation Week.

When one thinks of making a difference in the life of a student, the teachers, coaches, and administrators are most often mentioned. While those individuals certainly shape and mold the lives of young people, there are several other folks that often work behind the scenes to make just as much, and sometimes more, of a difference.

Those are the folks in Edmonson County's Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, (FRYSC) who work year round to bridge gaps where students have needs that affect them outside of school so they are put in positions to succeed in and out school.

Jamie Carnes, a longtime district administrator for Edmonson County Schools, who currently serves as Supervisor of State and Federal Programs and oversees the staff of FRYSC at the local level, is always quick to give credit to the ladies that make up FRYSC.

"The FRYSC (Family Resource/Youth Services Centers) crew in Edmonson County consistently go above and beyond the call to make sure our kids are better able to concentrate on learning and being kids while in attendance at our schools," said Mr. Carnes.

The FRYSC is remembered most for their large events such as "Cram the Cruiser," "Affordable Christmas," and "Back to School Bash," but they are often unsung heroes by also working at the following:

• providing extra clothing and/or food for a child in need;
• helping to coordinate services for children and their families with agencies like LifeSkills and Community Education;
• collecting food items for food drives;
• helping organize and generate holiday assistance for families;
• providing supplemental school supplies for students;
• organizing after-hours events to provide support for children and families;
• coordinating with teachers and staff to assist students who might be struggling academically;
• designing programming like "Pony Play Day," "S.T.O.P." (Students Targeting Outside Pressures), "The 16th Birthday Bash," "Future Wildcats," "Adulting 101," etc.
• gathering and delivering basic needs for a family that has lost their home in a fire.

"Certainly, this list could go on for some time," Carnes added.

Edmonson County JE Scott Lindsey signs proclamation honoring FRYSC Appreciation Week.

Team members Sherrell Thompson, Alicia Edwards, Morgan Esters, Natalie Stice, and Joanna Jaggers, make up the group, along with Lisa Whobrey. While Whobrey is not technically a member of what is known as the FRYSC roster, Carnes said that Whobrey, who serves as the Community Education Coordinator, works closely with the FRYSC in most everything they do.

"We all feel as if we are part of the same team," Carnes said. "I am proud of the work they do and happy to have a small role in helping them."

The proclamation recognized February 6th through the 10th as FRYSC Appreciation Week.