Monkey bars and swings

Compliments of the United Way The United Way of Sevier County presented a check for $14,350 to Jones Cove Elementary School for the purchase of new playground equipment. Margit Worsham, 2004 Campaign Co-chair for the United Way stated “A special campaign has been set up to raise this money to help Jones Cove School build a playground for their 180 children.” Principal Tammy Waters accepted the check for the playground project. For the past few years, Jones Cove Elementary School has been presented with the award for having the highest per capita giving. The school averages about $60 per person. The local United Way wants to make a difference in the community, which supports them in helping their agencies. “Working Together, That’s What Matters” is the slogan Margit and Earl Worsham coined for the 2004 campaign. To put that phrase to use, a team from Sevier County’s 2005 Leadership Tomorrow class will be teaming up with the school and the United Way to assure the children get the playground they need. The school itself has raised $4,000 from Pioneer Day to contribute to the $25,000 needed for the equipment. “The students are enthusiastic and excited about the new playground,” said Tammy Waters, principal for the school. “We never could have accomplished what we have already without the aid of the community and staff. I thank all those who have assisted in accomplishing our goal.” The school originally had a playground that was deemed unsafe and demolished last spring. Currently, the physical education teacher takes the children to a walking track to exercise. Once completed, hopefully by the end of this school year, the students will have a variety of activities to play on. Donations for this project continue to be accepted at the school or at the United Way of Sevier County office. For more information on how to help, call 453-4261.