2011 Danny Pires Scholarship Award
Winners Announced at Annual Steak and Burger Night
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Light Foundation’s Annual Youth Wild Turkey Hunt
Spring Event a Success
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The Vohokase Camp
Instilling leadership and trust
Began: 2008
The Light Foundation recently wrapped up its third annual Outdoor Leadership Camp, it's second at its 400-plus acre facility, Chenoweth Trails, in Greenville, Ohio. The 10-day program, known as Camp Vohokase, brought together 12 boys from three different communities across the country: Greenville, Ohio, where Light was raised; Rhode Island, where he holds his annual fundraising event; and West Lafayette, Indiana, where he played at Purdue University.
LF Founder Matt Light says the boys participated in trail-based activities such as hunting, fishing and archery; painted a local recreation center as part of their community service project; visited area businesses during career day, and engaged in "fireside chats" about goals and expectations. They also enjoyed a Camp Yale ropes course, paint ball, a dirt bike riding program, and helped to build an outdoor living space with a grilling area and fireplace. "The main goal of the Camp is to break down prejudices and barriers," says Light. "At the end of the day, these kids realize that even with different backgrounds, they have a lot in common, like family issues, and peer pressure – but they find common ground and learn from one another. It's always a great experience for all of us."
The youth who attended admit the experience is life-changing. "Since the first camp I've learned a lot about myself. I was quiet, timid, and narcissistic," says Dan L. from Rhode Island, "but being able to interact with people who were going through what I was helped me come out of a shell and be more social with my peers. I've also learned how to help my friends and fellow campers deal with their problems," he adds, "and get through life without seeing others with 'thorns' in their eyes."
The accommodations were actually pretty nice by camp standards. The addition of electricity and running hot water in the showers this year resulted in less "rustic" conditions than in years past. Canvas tents were also replaced by circular domed tents called yurts, and cable TV's "Do It Yourself" network (DIY) built a state-of-the-art cooking area and fire pit in the Camp with help from the Connecticut distributor of Viking, an industry leader in high-end kitchen appliances. The total value of the project is nearly $200,000, and Light says he couldn't be more grateful. A segment shot on site will air later this year on DIY's "Indoors Out" show.
Light says many local and regional companies also stepped up to help, including: Stone Age Mfg. and Heartland Stone, both out of Oklahoma; Spencer Landscaping and Fourman's Sand and Gravel, both out of Greenville, OH; Cobble Systems out of Orlando, FL; and Dean Marisco and Derek Stearns of Stone by Stearns from his current home state of Massachusetts, who drove the whole project along for DIY.
The Matt Light All-Conference Football Camp
Darke County’s longtime tradition
Location: Greenville, OH
Began: 2005
This summer marked the 17th consecutive year for what is now known as the Matt Light All Conference Football Camp.
Under the tutelage of Larry Masters, a retired teacher, and longtime high school football coach from Ohio’s Darke County, the Camp will provide football skills training to boys and girls from Greenville and surrounding areas, aged 14 to 18. The intensive three-day camp, which has increased in popularity and scope nearly every year since its inception, is offered to applicants free of charge - unheard of in the world of youth football camps.
This summer marks the 17th consecutive year for what is now known as the Matt Light All Conference Football Camp.
Under the tutelage of Larry Masters, a retired teacher, and longtime high school football coach from Ohio’s Darke County, the Camp will provide football skills training to boys and girls from Greenville and surrounding areas, aged 14 to 18. The intensive three-day camp, which has increased in popularity and scope nearly every year since its inception, is offered to applicants free of charge - unheard of in the world of youth football camps.
Masters decided to open the Camp in 1994 to promote the game of football to teens in the area, and filled a need he says he couldn’t have realized. By 1999, area businesses were providing support for the Camp, which attracted hundreds of kids, dozens of varsity coaches from area high school football programs, and even professional football players who came to the camp to speak to and work with the kids.
In 2004, the Light Foundation came on board as the major supporter, and the Camp was renamed the Matt Light All Conference Football Camp. The Camp is held every June at Greenville, Ohio’s North Park.
The College Scholarship Award
Rewarding hard work and acknowledging excellence
Began: 2002
Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate college students from Ohio’s Darke County are eligible each year for the Light Foundation’s College Scholarship Award. The scholarships, in the amount of $1000 each, will be awarded to a minimum of two students with at least a 2.5 grade point average or better. Scholarships are based on a combination of academics, work ethic, community service, teacher and other references, and the students’ overall contributions.
Applicants must be graduating seniors, or attending college for an undergraduate degree. The Scholarship Committee will consider financial assistance and special circumstances, so students are urged to address their individual needs.
Erin Hartzell (left) and Alyssa Batten (right) are the 2010 winners. Hartzell is attending Wright State University, and Alyssa Batten will be going to Miami University to study dentistry.
Light Foundation founder Matt Light honored both students recently in Greenville, Ohio, where he grew up and attended school and runs several programs. “I think it’s imperative to give back to the community, and I want to provide opportunities for youth in this area to pursue their educational goals,” says Light. “It’s all part of our Foundation’s goal to help provide them experiences that will assist them in reaching their highest potential.” Applications must be submitted by February 15th for the same year’s fall school year.
Danny Pires Memorial Scholarship Fund
Scholarship benefiting New Bedford area youth
Began: 2009
The Light Foundation will donate funds toward an annual $500 scholarship in honor of the late New Bedford Standard-Times sports writer, Danny Pires, and will work in concert with co-organizers Fernando Garcia of Fall River Ford, Rob Mendes from the Boys and Girls Club, and the Pires family to choose the recipient.
The winner of the scholarship might not necessarily be the best in academics, athletics or school activities, but would come through as embodying some of the qualities that made Pires a memorable and beloved figure.
For more information, or to donate to the scholarship fund, e-mail Light Foundation administrator Cindi Mitchell at: dannypiresscholarship@gmail.com.
