Students Work Hard at Ellis Park!
           
           
                                       
The mission of Youth Encouraging Philanthropy (YEP) of Hendricks County is to provide access to resources and opportunities, and empower potential young leaders from diverse backgrounds instilling them with commitment to responsible philanthropy in all forms, inclusive of time, talent and treasure.

The Ellis Park beautification project, held on May 4, 2009, was planned, organized and facilitated by seniors from Danville Community High School who are also members of YEP for two consecutive years.  They engaged the Student Council, National Junior Honor Society and Science Clubs from Danville Community Middle School to take part in the project.  The middle school students served along side members from the high school National Honor Society chapter.  There were also adult volunteers from local businesses that helped with the project.

As a group of young adults, these students wanted to give back to their community by servicing something that has touched the lives of nearly everyone in the community in some manner.......Ellis Park!  Our community is blessed to have such a wonderful park that provides a safe place to have fun while also taking in scenic views!  There is a river that wraps itself around the park and is accompanied by large hills of woods that provide more than just shade and walking/running paths......it provides adventure and encourages imagination to those who take advantage of them!

Around 200 community members took part in this project earlier this spring.  An estimated 120 Danville Community Middle School students, 50 Danville Community High School students and 25 adult volunteers embarked on this adventure together to accomplish a common goal.  Most importantly, they were able to break through the generation/age barriers that can sometimes keep so many people from truly embracing our community!  As youth, they felt it was important to prove what they were capable of, that they do care about their community and that they CAN make a difference!

Thanks to everyone who made our park more beautiful through this project!  We appreciate your hard work and dedication!