Nearly made it
Thumbs-up to the individuals, organizations and businesses that contributed to the 2017 Jackson County United Way fundraising campaign. A late push helped the United Way overcome a significant shortfall, and the end result was the campaign brought in $803,355, which was just 6 percent short of the $855,000 goal. A related thumbs-up to the organization’s base of 3,262 volunteers, who combined for 33,821 hours of service this past year.
Helping others
Thumbs-up to Grace Mullins, a third-grader at Seymour-Redding Elementary School. Mullins, who will be 9 on Tuesday, is collecting nonperishable food items in lieu of gifts during her birthday party from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 at Confetti — The Social Venue at Suite 214 at Shops of Seymour. The food will be donated to Community Provisions of Jackson County, a food pantry in Seymour.
Diving deep
Thumbs-up to Seymour High School junior Devin Ramsey, who repeated as diving champion at the Hoosier Hills Conference meet Jan. 27 in New Albany. Ramsey scored 432.75 points to earn the conference title.
Capturing the crown
Thumbs-up to the Trinity Lutheran High School girls basketball squad for capturing the school’s third sectional title in that sport and the first since 2014. Members of the team include Piper Acton, Maddie Bell, Lauren Fleetwood, Emma Goecker, Jodi Goecker, Abby Hackman, Savannah Harweger, Sydney Jaynes, Emilee Lang, Delaney Maschino, Genesis Munoz, Hannah Sabotin and Savanna Setty. The Cougars are coached by Mike Lang.
Regional title winner
Thumbs-up to Seymour High School wrestler Isaiah Pichardo for winning the 106-pound division at the Jeffersonville Regional on Saturday and leading the Owls to a second-place finish, the school’s best since 1980. Pichardo, the Owls’ first regional wrestling titlist since 2014, advanced to the Evansville Semistate on Saturday along with six of his teammates. They are Kevin Corrales, who finished second at 195 pounds, and Alejandro Sachinas, who finished second at 182 pounds; and four who finished third, Owen Chandler at 113 pounds, Zack Newton at 160 pounds, Jake Kriete at 152 pounds and Gabe Ramirez at 285 pounds.
Still swimming
Thumbs-up to Trinity Lutheran High School swimmer Rachel Sabotin, who advanced to the state finals for the second straight year by winning the 200-yard freestyle in a sectional record time of 1:52.46 and 500-yard freestyle on Saturday at the Columbus North Sectional. The sophomore will swim in the state preliminaries today at the natatorium at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
Lifesavers
Thumbs-up to the Emerson Elementary School students who recently participated in Jump Rope for Heart. The students participated in a wide range of activities, from jumping rope to jumping over small hurdles. The students wound up raising more than $11,000 for the American Heart Association.