By CATHERINE LEGG/For the Reporter

MONTEVALLO – The Montevallo Junior City Council recently surprised Montevallo Middle School baseball coach Vinny Chiaramonte with an $800 check to purchase helmets for his team.

“I really appreciate the work these kids are doing in their community,” Chiaramonte said. “They are all great kids and a joy to work with. These funds will be used to significantly strengthen our baseball program.”

Lauren Davis, Mayor Hollie Cost’s intern and an advisor of the MJCC, explained that the group had worked very hard earning the money for their donation. One of their projects was a carnival they had planned and implemented.

“These students are just amazing,” Davis said. “I never imagined a group of kids so determined and caring about making a difference, to make the schools better. I am lucky to be working with them. They are not just learning from me, but I am learning from them. They have taught me that at any age you can and will have a huge impact on the community, or schools, if you care enough and if you try hard enough.”