Scott City, Kan. – Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WEC) announced today that the Scott Community High School Art Department has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the WEC Sharing Success Fund to help purchase a new pug mill.  

The Scott Community High School Art Department provides students with opportunities to explore their creativity through a wide range of visual arts. Their art courses emphasize hands-on learning in drawing, painting ceramics, sculpture and design while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-expression. The department also promotes collaboration, community involvement, and preparation for further studies or careers in the arts.

The Sharing Success Grant funds will be used to purchase a new pug mill to replace the current machine that is no longer functional and cannot be repaired. The pug mill is used in ceramics to mix and recycle clay to help reduce waste and saves funds from having to continuously purchase new clay. With their new equipment, the school can host exhibits, sales, and community events that showcase student talent, strengthen local pride, and make the arts more accessible to the community.

The Scott Community Foundation began formally accepting applications for grants from the WEC Sharing Success Fund from community-based organizations on December 1, 2012. Since then, the application process has been moved internally and is currently handled directly by WEC. This year, WEC and CoBank have once again each contributed $10,000 to the fund. The program will continue to run until the funds are exhausted. Since 2012, WEC’s Sharing Success Fund has made $195,000 available to community-based organizations and projects across their service territory.

Community based organizations interested in receiving funding from the WEC Sharing Success Fund can apply online. Questions should be referred to Alli Conine, director of member services and corporate communications, at 620-874-4563 or aconine@weci.net.