The Carmel Education Foundation (CEF) will host its 25^th annual telethon on Feb. 17. The event raises money for education grants for Carmel Clay School’s teachers and scholarships for CHS students.

The telethon will kick-off with phone-a-thon on Feb. 15. Members of the Carmel community can call in and donate to the CEF. Later that week on Feb. 17, a performing arts showcase will take place in the Dale E. Graham Auditorium at CHS. Carmel elementary and middle school choirs will perform at the telethon. CHTV will broadcast the performances live that night.

Dorothy Ilgen, Executive Director of the CEF, said that the telethon involves students and community members from all over the district.

“The broadcast pledge drive, the theatre production, the showcase and the phone-a-thon represents the involvement of about 1,000 CCS students from all grades,” Ilgen said.

The telethon provides an opportunity for students to grow as performers and to get a glimpse of the high school. It also gives young students an opportunity to become more confident in themselves and their abilities. Junior Scott Jackoway performed in the telethon while as a fifth grader at Forest Dale Elementary School and throughout his years at Clay Middle School. Jackoway said that the telethon was a big part in gaining confidence for later performing, and said it continues to be an event that gets the Carmel community involved.

“The telethon exposed us to a larger world, and a larger audience than our families. Now that I’m older I can understand the true importance of the telethon. Not only does it raise money for our performing arts, but it raises awareness of just how many people participate, from all age ranges and of all skill levels,” Jackoway said.

Students and community members who wish to help out can assist the CEF by calling in during the phone-a-thon and by attending the telethon. Volunteer opportunities are also available for students. NHS members can get credit for volunteering at the event. The event helps the district to provide teachers with the means to give students a high-quality education, and helps the community by developing student confidence.

“The Carmel Telethon brings people together, of all different ages, from all different schools. Its truly an amazing experience,” Jackoway said. By Jacob Vahle