Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. JAMES— Osage R-1 Chamois High School senior Aaron Brandt was one of two recipients of a $750 scholarship from the Richard and Jeanne Cavender Scholarship for Public Service for the 2018 school year. Brandt was very involved in his school participating in basketball, track, Future Farmers of America, class vice-president, archery and A+ program. In his community, Brandt is involved with his church events, the church youth organization and Chamois Day.

Brandt is currently undecided on which school he will be attending, but has narrowed it down to Columbia College, William Woods University or Westminster College. He will be working toward a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis on physical education. Brandt hopes to become a teacher and have a lasting impact on students as his teachers and coaches have had on him. Brandt wrote in his application essay: “I want an opportunity to give back to this community what they have given to me. I hope more and more people realize the importance and impact one can have if they partake in a public service career and do everything possible to have a positive impact on society and on our youth.”

The Cavenders established the scholarship through the Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) and Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO). The other $750 scholarship recipient for 2018 was Kaylee Hance of Belle High School.

MRCF is an outgrowth of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and is an affiliate of CFO in Springfield. The regional affiliate was formed in 2010. Its 12-member board includes representation from each of the eight Meramec counties and from MRPC. Vicki Lange of Osage County serves as president of MRCF.

Currently, MRCF has 60 funds totaling over $1.36 million.

CFO is a public foundation serving the Missouri Ozarks. The foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in the region through resource development, community grant-making, collaborations and public leadership. Formed in 1973, CFO has since grown to include 49 affiliate community foundations and more than 3,200 charitable funds totaling approximately $285 million in assets, as of June 30, 2017.

MRPC, in addition to establishing the regional foundation and providing the initial investment to create a grant program, provides staff support to MRCF.

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. A professional staff of 23, directed by the MRPC board, offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

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