2016 Recipients

Our first stop of the day was The Academy for Teaching and Learning in Chester, SC. The CindyMackie Foundation is thrilled to continue its support of this special academy! Five years ago this school had no library. Through Mackie grants, the treasured space named The CindyMackie Literacy and Performing Arts Center was born. The transformation is not only found in the physical room itself, but also the students, families, teachers and staff that have been a part of the joyous creation. One addition to the literacy center during 2016 has been an early childhood reading area to meet the needs of the youngest readers in kindergarten through second grade. This year’s Mackie Grant will allow the center, under the direction of Melinda Abercrombie, to continue to grow their book inventory, expand their research and technology areas, partner with the BookSystems automated library program, purchase additional laptops and expand performance technology. “We count each day a privilege for our students to have such opportunities here at The Academy because of the love and support of The CindyMackie Foundation.” ~Melinda Abercrombie.

Congratulations Chester ATL!

Our second stop was to present a Mackie grant to the Arts Council of Chester County. The Council was founded by a group of local artists in 1973 and has grown to include a permanent art gallery, art classes and Superintendent's Annual Art Show. The grant will allow the Council, under the direction of Lauren Medlin, to expand the youth programs by purchasing supplies, paying instructors and providing classes to students at greatly reduced prices. In addition, the grant will provide at least 15 scholarships for qualified children to attend Youth Art Camps. The Council believes that art is a great tool for uniting the community and encouraging interaction between people of all ages and backgrounds, and so do we!

Congratulations!

Our third stop was to meet Kyle Smith at the York County Library on East Black Street in Rock Hill, SC. Kyle received a Mackie grant to fund lessons in flute, marimba and steel drum. Kyle is an extraordinary 12 year old 7th grader at Smith Academy. He loves listening to and playing music and is a third year student in flute with Piedmont Music Academy. Kyle's faith is an inspiration to us all! "I am not sure yet what God has for me to do in life, but I want to prepare myself as well as I can and music is very speial to me." -Kyle Smith

Congratulations, Kyle! We can't wait to see where God leads you!

Our trip took us next to Southpoint High School in Belmont, NC, to present a higher education scholarship to Madeline Bame. As have generations of family members, Madeline treasures music. Since age two, she has longed to share her beautiful voice with the world through song. She has spent years training in voice and growing in love for music and performance. Her theatrical studies have also helped her to combine her love for music with the art of storytelling. And she will continue her training in college for a lifelong career in music education. "I hope to one day serve as a role model and teacher to students who desire to pursue music." - Madeline Bame

We know you will be an inspiration to so many for years to come! Congratulations!

Our journey took us to High Point, NC, for the final grant presentation to Drama Kids of the Triad, directed by Pam McHone Barrans. The program uses high energy activities to promote self-confidence, teamwork, and creative thinking. They utilize the arts to teach students to speak articulately, relate confidently with others, and express themselves in creative and effective ways. "Our goal is to provide all children with the encouragement and support that they need in order to grow, develop, and discover their full potential. We believe that EVERY child can be a STAR!" -Pam Barrans

So do we, Pam! And we trust this grant will make a difference in the lives of many future stars! Congratulations!