The Ironton Lions Club recently sponsored a QUEST program at Symmes Valley High School in Lawrence County.

Lions QUEST is a school-based life-skills program for children from kindergarten to 12th grade. QUEST clubs help young people make responsible decisions, communicate effectively and avoid drugs.

The SV students are very involved in community service projects like the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), by which they commit themselves to make hospital stays for young children less painful and frightening. Through their efforts, the students make small cloth dolls for the hospitalized children. Each doll is accompanied by a handmade blanket and tote bag. Every doll is named and comes with a tag from its maker explaining its purpose. The dolls are delivered to a local hospital during each Christmas break.

The FCCLA students also visit local nursing homes and decorate residents’ doors, sing songs, and just take time to talk and listen.

The Symmes Valley students are a prime example of the success of the QUEST program, with their community service, motivation, skills for personal, academic and group interaction.