Central Church Given True Friends of Education Award

Central United Methodist Church in Milbank was recognized by the Milbank Education Association (MEA) as this year’s True Friends of Education recipient. Josh Schmeichel, representative of MEA, presented a commemorative plaque to Pastor Thom Bowsher during the regular meeting of the Milbank School District Board of Education on November 15.

Central Church has sponsored, organized, and operated the Kids Hope mentoring program at Koch Elementary for 18 years. This year, 10 mentors meet with children for one hour a week to provide support. Central Church also allows the use of their facilities for functions and programs, including the Bulldog Backpack Program. For the past eight years, the Grant County Christian Service Council’s Bulldog Backpack program has provided many students with meals for weekends and non-school days.

Central Church also gives their Christmas Eve offering to the school district. The money is used for a counseling fund for students when private insurance or Medicaid is not available.

Photo: Josh Schmeichel, left, Pastor Thom Bowsher, right.