From staff reports
A $1,000 donation from Janney Montgomery Scott is helping the YMCA’s Michael Constantino Memorial Scholarship Fund reach more kids in Clarion County.
Representatives from Janney Montgomery Scott – The Lerch Group – presented the YMCA with a check Jan. 13.
The Clarion County YMCA announced the Michael Constantino Memorial Scholarship fund in 2019, and later began an initiative to teach all children in partnering school districts how to swim. The idea is to teach every class of third-grade students through the years so that all graduating students learn to swim.
The idea for the scholarship was presented to Michael’s parents, David and Kim Constantino, by Michelle Murray, the marketing and membership director at the Clarion and Oil City YMCAs.
“It’s important we collaborate in ways that make a difference for the community. The YMCA is a community asset that can make Clarion County a better place and provide opportunities for youth that were never available before,” said Murray.
Just 7 years old, Michael Constantino tragically passed away in a drowning accident on June 8, 2004. He had just finished first grade at Clarion Area Elementary School. The loss of Michael Constantino affected the entire community.
“Michael was my neighbor when this terrible tragedy occurred,” said Lerch. “I felt our contribution in his memory was one of the best ways to help make a difference.”
Third-grade students from Clarion Area School District and Redbank Valley School District have partnered with the YMCA to help kids learn this important life skill.
The YMCA has installed a bell in memory of Michael Constantino. Every child who learns to swim a full pool length rings the bell in Michael’s memory.
“This is a beautiful tribute to Michael’s memory,” said Jesse Kelley, YMCA branch director. “Kids really want to ring the bell and try hard to learn the skills required to swim 25 yards, which is a full competitive length of the pool.”
The YMCA is ready to partner with other school districts. Interested schools can contact Katie Roth, aquatics & wellness director, at programdirector@clarionymca.net or call 814-764-3400.
The YMCA is accepting donations to the Michael Constantino Memorial Scholarship Fund. Tax-deductible donations can be mailed or dropped off at the Clarion County YMCA, 499 Mayfield Road, Clarion, Pa. 16214. Online contributions can be made at clarioncountyymca.org/michael-constantino-scholarship-fund/
The Michael A. Constantino Swim Lesson Scholarship Fund will provide swim lessons to youth with low income or family circumstances that may prevent them from learning to swim. The fund also helps partnering schools with costs associated with swim lessons at the YMCA.
Scholarship assistance is available through the Clarion County YMCA. Parents can fill out an application requesting help with any level of swim lessons for youth ages 2-17. Financial documentation is required, and the award is based on need.
Youth may apply for a swim lesson scholarship at any time.