Circle Round the Square has been identified as a finalist for the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, which is awarded by First Lady Michelle Obama.

The program is an intensive summer-arts enrichment program for students in the Nelsonville-York City School District (NYCSD) presented by Paper Circle, a business located on Nelsonville Public Square. The Hocking College Culinary Arts program collaborates with the summer program each year.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2014, Circle Round the Square was chosen as one of 50 finalists for a $10,000 national prize. At the end of June, 12 winners will be selected for the national prize and will also get the opportunity to attend the White House ceremony to accept the award.

Hocking College is very involved in the program providing food, transportation, supervision and numerous activities. The Culinary Arts students help the kids prepare a daily healthy lunch using locally sourced, fresh, organic food.

The college also provides transportation for the youth, going back and forth to the program and to their various activity sites. The kids are transported to Hocking College, Nelsonville Pool, Movies 10 and a farm in Logan. The Student Center is a main location for the kids where they swim, rock climb, play basketball and other activities. All events and activities lead up to a family picnic on the final day of the program.

For additional information about the award, visit The Athens Messenger.

For any additional information, visit Paper Circle's website.