Chamber and students urge county backing for Lemonade Day, praise Alice ISD

Evelyn Karabinoff, representing the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, told the Jim Wells County Commissioners Court the chamber wants to continue partnering with the county on Lemonade Day Coastal Bend, a youth entrepreneurship program that teaches financial literacy, marketing and customer service through student-run lemonade stands. “We are excited to continue growing our partnership with Jim Wells County through Lemonade Day Coastal Bend,” Karabinoff said, and announced the countywide event will be held June 27 in front of Coastal Bend College.

Sandra Bowen, speaking on behalf of the Jim Wells County Rotary Club, described countywide outreach efforts and a registration event at Coastal Bend College on June 2 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and asked commissioners to help spread the word to schools across precincts including Orange Grove and Ben Bolt. “This is a countywide Lemonade Day, and so I would appreciate it if you commissioners would help us with that in spreading the word to your areas as well,” Bowen said.

Adriana Torres, a senior at Alice High School, urged the court to help promote Alice ISD’s programs and student accomplishments. Torres, who said Alice ISD is working to move from a B to an A district, listed extracurricular and academic programs and noted she will graduate May 29. “A successful Alice ISD benefits all of Jim Wells County because it helps create a stronger workforce,” Torres said.

Why it matters: Commissioners were asked to lend the county’s promotional reach to a program organizers characterize as countywide and to highlight local public-school accomplishments. The events and registration deadlines given by speakers provide clear next steps for community participation.

The court did not take a formal vote specific to Lemonade Day or Alice ISD promotions during the public-comment period; the presentation and appeals were recorded for the court’s consideration.