Shriners donate to school

Local Shriners presented a $1,000 check Tuesday to a middle school teacher, allowing more of his students to participate in a learning workshop.\nChapter President Turner Nolan and treasurer David Shafer presented the check to Batchelor Middle School teacher Jeff Rudkin during a 30 minute ceremony in his second floor classroom. Also representing Stonebelt Shrine Club, a county chapter of the Indianapolis based Murat Temple, were members Billy Combs, Bill Resch, Steve Fiscus and Tom Staley.\n"Having grown up in a financially challenged home, I find it extremely gratifying that our organization can help anyone, particularly children who are vulnerable and at such an impressionable stage in their lives," said Staley, chapter vice president. "I firmly believe in role models and support mentoring." \nRudkin runs B-TV, a hands-on broadcasting class where the students produce a regular newscast for Batchelor's student body. The class has won 10 national awards, allowing them to participate in the International Student Media Festival, held in Anaheim, Calif., this Oct. 22-26. \nBut four students eligible to go couldn't afford the trip.\nThe Shrine Club learned of the students' financial need when grandchildren of the local Shriners in the class let their grandfathers know about the situation. They made a donation after they found out the students' plight.\nWhile the Shrine Club's mission is primarily based on generating donations to fund the organization's 23 hospitals scattered across North America, one Shriner said if a chapter has the money, then it should be routed to other good causes.\n"If we are affluent enough, which we are right now, we like to support our kids and help them grow academically," said former chapter president and member Steve Fiscus.\nThe chapter learned of the four students' financial needs too late for the organization's monthly board meeting, where the business would normally have been proposed. So the chapter put it before the general membership of the local chapter in what it calls a "stated meeting." Staley said the proposal to donate the $1,000 passed unanimously.\n"I find (the donation) overwhelming," said Batchelor principal Peggy Chambers. "I think the Shriners are a respected organization and the work they do is so needed. I think for them to take the time to come here today and make this presentation, it says a lot about their commitment to our youth."\n-- Contact staff writer Brandon Morley at bmorley@indiana.edu.