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Some say that individuals can make a world of difference at any age. 

A pair of sixth grade students from Baker Intermediate School just provided such proof. 

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of sixth-grade students Walker Puckett and Colton Wilson, $2500 was raised in approximately two weeks to support the Clark County Veterans Council. 

A check was presented to members at Baker Intermediate School on Tuesday, Jan. 14. 

“I think this is a case in point on how folks can get involved, even the younger generation,” said Baker Intermediate School Principal Josh Mounts. “These two [students] got out there and…went to neighbors and business leaders and raised money.” 

The Clark County Veterans Council, a 501(c)(3) organization formed approximately 20 years ago, supports those throughout the community who have served in the armed forces. 

Thanks to their efforts, construction of a long-awaited World War II and Korean War Memorial is underway on E. Broadway Street. 

However, the group is still looking for funding to help complete the project. 

Those interested in learning more and providing support can go to https://www.clarkcountywarmemorial.org, and – if they choose to honor a veteran with a brick – can utilize a form https://www.clarkcountywarmemorial.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/brick-form.pdf. 

For their part in donating, Puckett and Wilson – who are part of the school’s flag team – were inspired to do so based on family history and what they’ve learned about veterans. 

“When we started, we didn’t think we were [going to] complete it,” Puckett said. “Once we had enough money from the community, we started asking our family members that were veterans, and then it just kept coming,” 

“It’s very exciting that the community is so nice,” Wilson added. “[Veterans] were so nice to us by serving for us, so we [had] to try to do something.” 

Along with Chuck Witt, Dee Birkes – a board member of the Clark County Veterans Council – was present to accept the check. 

“It blew my mind,” he said, noting that the students’ actions took place amidst heavy winter weather. “It says a lot for their parents and their families [and] how they’re brought up.” 

Asked what he hopes for regarding the future, Birkes continued. 

“I’m hoping everybody gets on board with this [World War II and Korean War Memorial] Project, because this is important,” he added. “We want to use this memorial as a teaching opportunity for the schools.” 

Presently, the memorial project has raised $141,950 of its $250,000 target. 

Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Clark County Veterans Council, P.O. Box 426, Winchester, KY 40392-0426.