COLUMBUS, Ind. — Kids and adults alike were recently honored for using their gifts to serve Bartholomew County.
The Council for Youth Development announced winners for its 2023 Ignite Your Spark – Spark Spirit Awards during a ceremony at its annual “Enlighten Up!” event, which was held Thursday night at the Exhibit Columbus installation “Machi.”
The two Adult Spark Spirit Award winners were Stephanie Cunningham and Christy Boes-Eubanks. The Youth Award was given to the Lemonade Bros.
“The winners were chosen for their community service and their commitment to youth,” said CYD Communications and Community Impact Manager Sarah Stermer.
Cunningham was honored for her work at Turning Point Domestic Violence Services and on the Council For Youth Development’s Youth Empowerment Workgroup.
Eubanks, who works with iGrad, was awarded for her mentorship of students, her support of youth during summer camps and mission trips, and her work with CYD.
The Lemonade Bros — which include Jacob Jones and Johnathan “Junior” Jones — use a portion of the profits from their lemonade stand to help different causes. Through the stand, the brothers have been able to help groups such as the Students’ Fund of Hope, Columbus Regional Hospital employees, patients at Riley Children’s Hospital and the Sound and Spirit of Columbus marching band.
The awards ceremony was held as a part of CYD’s 2023 Spark Spirit Week, during which the organization encourages youth mental health and family well-being through activities meant to support youth development and help students find their sparks.
“A spark is what people are really passionate about doing, an activity that unleashes their energy and joy, one that may allow them to express themselves and make their own unique contributions to the world,” CYD officials said. “These winners have all harnessed their spark to positively impact members of our community.”
