Teaching the future

Kids are our future,” says Justin Weaver. “The more you teach them and work with them, the better adults they will make when they get older.”

Justin is a father of two—Bennett, 9, and Ansleigh, 5. He doesn’t just believe what he says; he puts his words into action.

Justin is a member of the school board for the Trenton Special School District. In this role, he is pushing for more certified technology courses.

A field engineer team leader with the Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, Justin has coached virtually every sport except dance. He also volunteers at his church, working with—you got it—the youth.

“Whatever my kids are involved in, I am going to be involved in,” he says. “If you are capable and your schedule allows, you should be involved with children.”

Smile

SHELBYVILLE

Emma Durham loved playing basketball.

On the court, her adversaries were often in awe of her ability. Off the court, however, she faced an unfair adversary in the form of cancer. But even when her hair fell out from chemotherapy, she was on the court—smiling, enjoying every minute of the game.

“Don’t forget to smile,” became Emma’s mantra.

Today, the staff and board of directors for Shelby Energy Cooperative help ensure Emma’s message continues. Recently Lynn Joyce, wife of Shelby Energy Board of Directors member Jeff Joyce, created and donated a 5-yard quilt with a University of Kentucky Wildcats design. The quilt was auctioned, and the highest bidders were Jack Bragg Jr., president and CEO of Shelby Energy, and his wife, Janet.

That money goes to the Emma Durham Foundation to honor her memory by providing a $2,000 scholarship each year for a student at both Shelby County and Martha Layne Collins high schools. The foundation also provides small Christmas trees for young patients hospitalized during Christmas. Gifting the trees was Emma’s last wish after a small tree gave her such joy during her final Christmas.