2021 Rogers Scholar John Calvin Gates, a student at Somerset High School, organized a community drive to collect school supplies for residents at SKYHope Recovery Program for Women.

He placed a donation box at First Presbyterian Church for the community to drop off backpacks, pencils, notebooks, and other school supplies.

“With this project, I was able to realize how much just a couple of people in the community can do. I am happy that I had the opportunity to help people in my community and to lend a helping hand. I am very thankful to all the people who donated and helped along the way.”

Graduates of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program are required to complete a community service project. For more information about Rogers Scholars, visit www.centeryouthprograms.com.