The latest recipients accounted for $75,956 in funding. Overall, this year marked the 16th year of the grant program, with more than $963,000 being distributed during those 16 years.

There were 18 recipients this year. A committee comprised of community members is tasked with selecting the grant recipients.

The committee uses the grant guidelines to evaluate each grant request. Committee members focus on the priority areas, as well as the other characteristics listed in the guidelines.

Priority areas are youth, education, history, pioneerism and Kansas heritage, agriculture, women’s issues, health, technology and family and consumer science.

Here’s a breakdown of each project:

Genesis Schools

Security Expansion, $1,350

The goal of this project is to increase the security surveillance of the Academy and Preschool.

Grant funds will be used to upgrade the security cameras at building entrances.

Jarbalo Community Bible Church

Bathroom, $10,000

The Church seeks to provide a clean and esthetically pleasing restroom facility for all guests, including those with mobility issues.

This will allow the Church to remodel the current bathrooms to create a family bathroom with improved plumbing and electricity, as well as making it wheelchair accessible.

Leavenworth County Horse Group

Leavenworth Fairgrounds Horse Arena Fence, $10,037

The goal of this project is to provide a safety barrier fence and gate at the Leavenworth County fairgrounds horse arena area. The previous fence was taken out a few years ago and has not been replaced.

This fence will enhance safety of the arena for all who use it.

Tonganoxie Community Historical Society

Exterior Entry Improvements to the Concrete Stoops at the Reno Church and the Honey Valley School

The Historical Society plans to improve the structural stability of the concrete stoops at the Reno Church and the Honey Valley School by installing steel piers under the two stoops and raising them back to their original position.

Over the past several years, the foundation walls of the concrete stoops have settled, leaving gaps between the stoop and the door sills.

Tonganoxie Early Prep

Reading Center Furniture, $800

The goal of this project is to create a functional, inviting and developmentally appropriate space that fosters a love of reading and supports literacy growth for students.

Funds will be used to purchase flexible seating and a bookshelf.

Tonganoxie Senior Citizens, Inc.

Update and additions, $2,500

The Senior Citizens seek to add chairs and dollies. Additional chairs are needed due to an increase in members.

They will also use grant funds to change all of the ceiling lights to LED and to purchase a wireless microphone

Tonganoxie VFW Post 9271

Bring Back the Wall / Brighten Up the Sign, $5,000

The Tonganoxie VFW is seeking to bring the travelling Vietnam Wall back to Tonganoxie next year in honor of it being the 30th anniversary since its initial visit in 1996. They also plan to give their sign a facelift.

USD 464 Schools

Tonganoxie Elementary School PE Department

Safe Landing/New Equipment, $3,433

The first part of this project is to replace tumbling mats. The mats are used throughout the year for many activities. Funds will also be used to purchase Yuk-Ball barriers. This will allow the introduction of the game of Yike Ball to the students. The barriers are mobile and can also be used as barriers, which will save some wear and tear on other equipment.

TMS and TES Gifted Program – $1,369.88

Spirit in 3D: Student-Designed Swag for Our Schools

This project will bring 3D printing into the elementary and middle school gifted classrooms with a focus on creating school spirit items for the entire district. With 3-D printers, students will design and produce original “school spirit swag” such as custom keychains, mascot figurines, bag tags and fidgets.

THS – Ag Mechanics and Welding

Plasma Power Project – $7,000

The new compressor is energy efficient and will unlock the full potential of the plasma table, giving students industry-standard training that prepares them for careers in welding, mechanics, manufacturing and agriculture.

THS – Automotive Technology

Tonganoxie Auto Tech is Keeping it Cool – $8,139.00

For this project, funds will be used to purchase a R1234yf recovery/recycle/recharge machine. This new machine will allow them to service mobile HVAC systems. It will be used to train and certify students in a real world setting on real customer cars.

THS Band

Timpani Purchase for the THS Band – $12,000

The THS Band plans to purchase Timpani drums.

The band program would like to have eight working timpanis, four at the high school and four at the middle school. They intend to use the new timpanis at the high school and replace the almost 40 year old timpanis at the middle school with the current high school set.

THS Family and Consumer Sciences – $600

Sharpening Up Culinary Skills

The goal for this grant is to purchase knives for the culinary program which will provide students with essential tools for developing professional-level knife skills. With professional precision knife sets, students will gain real world experience and learn lifelong skills.

THS FCCLA

CTE is for Me – $650

The project goal is to educate the 5th grade students at TES on the opportunities they have with career and technical education as they enter middle and high school. The FCCLA student leaders plan to hold a Career and Technical Education fair event that connects students with ways to explore diverse career pathways.

THS FCCLA

Chieftain Care Closet – $1,000

The goal of the Chieftain Care Closet is to be a confidential resource within the school that provides students and their families with free essential items such as food, hygiene products and school supplies to address immediate needs and promote well-being. This will be a judgment-free zone for students facing hardships related to food insecurity and other basic needs.

THS – FFA

Blue and Gold for All – $1,300

This project will help ensure members of the Tonganoxie FFA Chapter will have access to the FFA official dress which is essential for participation in FFA competitions, conferences, leadership events and official functions. This grant will help them promote equality, student engagement and help foster a sense of belonging among FFA members.

THS – Theatre Department

Construction Tool Upgrade for the Tonganoxie Performing Arts Scenic Shop – $1,000

The goal of this project is to provide upgraded, replacement and needed tools for the TPAC scenic shop. Additionally, a secure storage system will be furnished for the tools and construction supplies needed for building scenic backdrops and sets for high school and middle school theatre productions.

THS – Unified E-Sports

Unified E-Sports – $1,900

Funds will be used to purchase electronic gaming devices that expand access and opportunity for all interested teens, particularly those in special education. Through gaming, participants will gain life skills such as strategy, teamwork, communication and problem-solving, while benefitting from the social and emotional growth that inclusive play fosters.