$20K Awarded to Maury County Classrooms Through YEF Grants

Issue #688

March 18, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤 Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 72, low of 46

📰 $20K Awarded to Maury County Classrooms Through YEF Grants  

📰 Honorary Mule Day Grand Marshals Announced

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

$20K Awarded to Maury County Classrooms Through YEF Grants

The Youth Educational Foundation (YEF) has awarded $20,596 in grants to support innovative classroom projects across Maury County Public Schools (MCPS).

This funding will support 14 projects across nine Maury County public schools, providing educators with additional resources to enhance learning opportunities and bring creative ideas to life for students throughout the district.

The mini-grant program encourages teachers and staff to develop innovative projects that extend beyond traditional classroom activities and help students grow academically and personally. YEF provides funding to initiatives that inspire curiosity, creativity, and deeper engagement in learning.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Youth Educational Foundation for their continued investment in Maury County Public Schools,” said Lisa Ventura, superintendent of Maury County Public Schools. “These grants provide valuable resources that allow our educators to bring innovative ideas into the classroom and create meaningful learning experiences for our students. Our schools and students will benefit greatly from these projects, and we appreciate YEF’s ongoing commitment to supporting education in Maury County.”

YEF is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students by funding innovative programs, projects and resources that might not otherwise be available through traditional school funding.

“YEF is proud to support the incredible educators and students of Maury County Public Schools,” said Travis Groth, chairman of the Youth Educational Foundation. “These grants represent the generosity of our community and the strong partnership we share with Maury County Public Schools. Together, we have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ educational experiences and help create opportunities that inspire learning and growth.”

The spring mini-grants reflect the continued partnership between YEF and Maury County Public Schools to empower educators, enhance classrooms and expand opportunities for students across the district.

Educators submit applications detailing how their proposed projects will support student learning, engagement and development. Selected proposals receive funding through YEF’s competitive grant process.

For more information about the Youth Educational Foundation and its programs, visit www.yefmaury.com.

Honorary Mule Day Grand Marshals Announced

From Mule Day’s post…

We’re excited to Announce our 2026 Mule Day Parade Honorary Grand Marshal, Buddy & Patsy Kennedy! 

Buddy & Patsy Kennedy have been members of the Maury County Bridle & Saddle Club since 1990. 

They began helping with the Mule Day Parade shortly after joining.  Buddy has helped with just about everything Mule Day at the park. From setting up stalls, hooking up the PA systems for Mule Shows, running the tractor, doing repairs, or assisting with security – if there’s a job, he’s done it.  

Buddy is Co-Chair of the Gaited Mule Show that takes place on Friday nights of the Mule Day Festival. Mrs. Patsy assists with sign-ups and works in the show ring.

Buddy has served on the Wagon Train for over 20 years, first as a Scout and later pulling the water trailer for the group.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, March 19th

Friday, March 20th

Saturday, March 21st

Sunday, March 22nd

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, March 19
Todd Ciprian – Tito’s, 6–9 PM
Damien Boggs & Friends – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, March 20
Golden Soul Revue – Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7–9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Rob Roscoe – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Radio Farm – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Hippies & Cowboys – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Black Hole Sons – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, March 21
Stevie Rock Acoustic Duo – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
The John Wayne Band – The Neon Moon, 7:30 PM
Karli & James – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Scotty Morton Band – The Boondox, 8 PM
Benji & The Jets – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, March 22
Rob Keesling – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM

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