By now, many of us have enjoyed the Scaly Mountain Pancake Breakfasts hosted by the Scaly Mountain Women’s Club. If you haven’t, there’s still plenty of time to pull up a chair. Three breakfasts remain this season on August 8, September 19, and October 10 from 8:00 to 10:30 A.M. at the Scaly Mountain Community Center, the old schoolhouse at 41 Buck Knob Road.
These fluffy pancakes are served with or without delicious local blueberries, and accompanied by sausage patties, orange juice, hot coffee, and plenty of friendly conversation. Breakfast is just $8 for adults, $6 for children, and families never pay more than $30.
While the pancakes may be what brings people together, the real reason these breakfasts have become a community tradition is what happens after the last plate is cleared. Every dollar raised goes back into the community, funding programs such as their scholarship fund for local students pursuing higher education, whether they’re recent high school graduates or adults returning to school.
Jaylin Raby
Jaylin Raby, a recent graduate of Highlands High School, is this year’s newest recipient. This fall, Jaylin will begin studying elementary education at UNC-Chapel Hill. Asked what makes growing up in a small community so special, Jaylin says it’s the unwavering encouragement – “Everyone has your back. They’re invested in your success, celebrate your accomplishments, and are always willing to help.”
Thanks to the Women’s Club, that encouragement includes financial assistance.
Katie Kenner also understands the value of that support firsthand. Now a registered nurse at Angel Medical Center, Katie pursued her nursing degree while balancing life as a young wife and mother. It wasn’t easy, but the Scaly Mountain Women’s Club stood beside her throughout the journey, helping ease the financial burden as she earned her associate degree from Southwestern Community College and later her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Carolina University.
Katie Kenner
Stories like Jaylin’s and Katie’s demonstrate how this scholarship program changes lives while strengthening the entire community. Many recipients remain in the area after graduation, becoming teachers, nurses, emergency personnel, and business owners who serve the very neighbors who helped them achieve their dreams.
Another way to support SMWC is to attend their fun-filled Bingo night on August 13 when they partner with the Highlands Rotary Club to raise funds for this scholarship program. Bingo Night is held at the Highlands Community Building at 869 North 4th Street, doors open at 6:00 P.M. and the games start at 6:30 P.M.
Whether you’re craving hot pancakes or looking for an evening of fun, make plans now to show up and show your support.
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