12/08/2021
Quest For Success Plans Holiday Feast, Fun
STEUBENVILLE-The Quest For Success before- and after-school program will host a holiday feast and some fun with a Christmas dinner on Dec. 10.
Festivities will be held from 3-5 p.m. at the Sycamore Youth and Community Center on 301 N. Fourth St. in Steubenville. The dinner is sponsored by the Jefferson County Educational Service Center 21st Century Grant and supported by the Ohio Valley Youth Network and features a meal with all the trimmings plus plenty of entertainment. Organizers said another event was held in 2019 but last year’s plans were shelved because of COVID restrictions.
“One purpose is to bring together people in the community an provide a home-cooked meal,” said Mark Masloski, program director and administrative assistant for JCESC. “Another is to invite the community to before- and after-school Quest program to see some of the projects the students have made and introduce students to the food they may have never had before.”
About 56 Jefferson County fifth-to eighth-graders attend each day—or an average of 300 youth per week—at the Quest Center located at 2250 Cherry Ave. in Steubenville and programs include school work help, mentoring, culinary arts, life skills and educational virtual reality. Participants and their families have been invited to the dinner as well as community leaders, with the latter to learn more about the program and meet those involved. Masloski said the event will also include activities from Virtual Reality Headquarters, LLC, a photo booth and live local entertainment.
The Quest program kicked off its fifth year in October and partners with Franciscan University with the goal of increasing opportunities for student success in literacy, mathematics, social development, family support and community involvement. The Quest Center operates on Monday to Thursday from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m.
Students represent Buckeye Local, Edison Local, Indian Creek Local, Steubenville City and Toronto City School Districts, Bishop John King Mussio, Jefferson County Christian School and home schools throughout the county. Quest for Success is made possible through a five-year, $850,000 grant through the Ohio Department of Education which provides $200,000 annually for the first three years, with $150,000 during year four and $100,000 the final year.
For more information about the program or dinner, contact Martariesa Fiala at (740) 283-3347, Ext. 100.