The Friday Finish - Grand Champion Student - Upcycling Economics - Color, Hope & Love - Bible Camper Returns - Digital Energy & Kindness
- Tim Crawford
- Jul 19
- 5 min read
July 18, 2025
Red Bird Student Takes State Championship at 4-H Communications Day
Three Red Bird Christian School students competed Saturday at the Kentucky 4-H Communications Day bringing home honors for their speeches. The entire Red Bird Cardinal Nation celebrated as Lucas Howard came home a 4-H Grand Champion on Saturday placing first with his Science Demonstration in Technology and Engineering , “Stay Safe, Ride Strong: Bike Safety Essentials.”
Jace Smith came in third statewide in the Speech category for 10-year olds for his topic, “My Trip to 4-H Camp.” Ella Jackson also brought home a blue ribbon adding to the Cardinal pride with her speech in the 9-year old category, “More than Notes. The Power of Music.”
School officials stated,
“These kids have worked so hard and truly represented our school with excellence, confidence, and heart. From county to regionals and now state, they’ve grown so much—and we couldn’t be prouder!”
A huge thank you to Mrs. Patty Vance for the time, love, and dedication she’s poured into helping these students get ready for each level of competition. We’re so thankful to have her leading and encouraging our kids every step of the way.”
Mrs. Patty (Class of 1985) brings the best out of all our students involved in 4-H Communications on our local level, but when three students shine like Lucas, Jace, and Ella, the entire RBCS community celebrates these high accomplishments with their families.
Donation Intends to Inspire Upcycling for Economic Opportunities
This past Monday the spirit of generosity and community shone brightly as Kim Salmon and her husband drove down from Terre Haute, Indiana, to Red Bird Mission. Their trip was fueled by a mission close to their hearts: delivering lamp-making hardware and materials sourced from her mother’s craft shop in Western Kentucky.
Kelton Adams, Red Bird Mission Director of Economic Opportunities, expressed his excitement at the incredible donation. He remarked,
“They brought everything we need to make lamps at the Crafts Center! I can’t wait to start building some unique lamps using the materials Mrs. Salmon donated, and materials from the community store that we can upcycle.”
This enthusiasm highlights the profound impact that community support can have on economic opportunities in the area.
The materials brought by Kim and her husband will not only help create beautiful lamps but also serve as a valuable teaching tool for individuals in Eastern Kentucky. By learning the skill of upcycling, community members can transform discarded or excess items into functional and decorative pieces, fostering creativity while creating potential income streams. This initiative allows people to harness their skills, turn hobbies into small businesses, and contribute to the local economy.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Kim Salmon and her husband for their thoughtful donation and support. Their kindness exemplifies the heart of community spirit, encouraging others to contribute in any way they can. Together, we can keep the wheels of economic opportunity turning in Eastern Kentucky, making a lasting impact on the lives of many.
If you’re looking for ways to give back, consider donating to Red Bird Mission. Your contribution could help transform lives and empower individuals through creativity and innovation. Thank you for being a part of this mission!
Bringing Color, Hope and Love
Red Bird Mission was blessed this week to host an incredible Work Camp group of 31 individuals from the Bridgetown Church of Christ in Cincinnati, Ohio. Led by Kevin Davis, this group was made up of 17 adults and 14 youth who split into three teams to tackle a variety of meaningful projects across our campus and community.
Among their many efforts, one standout project included painting the Early Childhood Development Preschool, which had remained stark white "since the beginning of time." Now, the bright, vibrant colors breathe new life into a space designed for children to learn and grow. This same group also refreshed other areas and served with a heart full of compassion, ensuring their time was spent making a truly lasting impact.
During their visit, Kayla (Development) had a chance to speak with Kevin Davis, who shared his passion for the mission, describing this as his third trip to Red Bird. Beyond the physical work, Kevin and his church have consistently donated items for our Community Outreach programs, including food commodities, baby pantry supplies, and family ministry essentials.
Reflecting on his experience, Kevin told a touching story about a woman whose mobile home he and his crew painted. She expressed her gratitude by cooking them a home-cooked country meal, complete with fresh vegetables from her garden that he deeply admired. The meal was a simple yet extraordinary act of kindness that highlighted the hospitality and warmth of our community families.
Kevin reflected deeply on moments like these, stating,
“Half of our time here is doing work, the other half is loving on the people.”
His words struck a powerful chord, emphasizing the dual nature of service: the physical change in the projects completed and the emotional connections made along the way. He shared how these interactions carry a ripple effect – inspiring others to pass on the same care and kindness.
The Bridgetown Church of Christ Work Camp has been nothing short of inspiring this week, bringing color, hope, and love to Red Bird Mission. Their commitment to both the tangible and intangible aspects of their mission is a testament to their heart for service. To Kevin and his group, we extend our deepest gratitude. A remarkable week like this reminds us of the beauty in shared effort and mutual appreciation. Thank you all for leaving an indelible mark on our campus and in our hearts!
Red Bird Bible Camper Returns Seven Decades Later
On Thursday, we had the pleasure of hosting a memorable visit from the
Bardstown (Kentucky) United Methodist Church group - a delightful balance of sweet, spunky ladies and one equally charming gentleman. Their time with us truly brightened our campus and spirits as they toured both the main Red Bird Mission Queendale Campus and the Beverly Campus, soaking in our rich history and lively community.
Among this incredible group was Rita, a spirited woman who captivated us with stories of her time at Red Bird Mission’s Bible camp in the 1950’s. As if her storytelling wasn’t delightful enough, she surprised us all by singing her old camp song while riding in the van. Her beautiful voice transported us all to another time, reminding us just how rooted and special this place truly is.
Beyond their wonderful company, this group also came bearing generous gifts! They brought donations of school supplies, medical supplies, toys, and clothing to support our school, community, and families in need. Their kindness kept us smiling and their humor kept us laughing throughout the day. We are beyond grateful for their generosity and for sharing their joy with us!
Digital Energy and Kindness
A beloved intern that poured her entire being into broadband advocacy and digital learning a couple of years ago was back volunteering this week. Shelbi Hinkle brought so much energy and kindness to the DeWall Senior Center by teaching digital literacy classes. Her efforts helped participants set up email accounts and confidently explore online platforms like YouTube. It’s amazing to see how a bit of guidance can open up new opportunities, especially for staying connected with loved ones or discovering new interests.
One heartwarming moment stood out when a participant got excited about looking up quilting ideas on YouTube, combining their creativity with new digital skills. Moments like this show the beauty of learning at any age, and the impact Shelbi’s classes are already making. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and making a difference!
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