Two Vermilion County schools are receiving grants to help with their STEM programs – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The Board of Directors of Balloons Over Vermilion has presented $2,500 grants to Bismarck-Henning Elementary School and Northeast Elementary Magnet School in Danville. They were the official host schools for Balloons Over Vermilion in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
In addition, Balloons Over Vermilion has presented a $25-thousand dollar grant to the Vermilion County Conservation District. Ken Konsis, the Conservation District Director, says the money will allow for the release of federal funds to help complete Vermilion County’s portion of the Kickapoo Rail Trail…
Konsis (shown here) says construction on Vermilion County’s portion of the Kickapoo Rail Trail is expected to start by June of next year. The trail will extend from where it has already been completed in Champaign County to a point near the Vermilion County Fairgrounds. And Konsis adds it may eventually extend to Kennekuk Cove County Park..
Biking and walking has already attracted thousands of people to the portion of the trail already done in Champaign County.
Pat O’Shaughnessy, co-chair of Balloons Over Vermilion, says organizers are pleased they can now give back to the community – which has supported the event and continues to establish it as a true marquee summertime destination. ‘’This gift aligns perfectly with our ‘It’s for the Kids’ mission,’’ he added.
Organizers are already looking forward to next year’s Balloons Over Vermilion which will be held on July 13th and 14th at the Vermilion Regional Airport. O’Shaughnessy says the school that will serve as the official host school for the 2018 event will be announced soon.
[Students from Bismarck-Henning Elementary School and Northeast Elementary Magnet School hold the $25,000 check that was presented to help with the Kickapoo Rail Trail during Wednesday’s news conference at Kennekuk Cove County Park’s Education Center. Note: You can click on the photo to enlarge it.]
