Carl D. Perkins Job Corps student Milton Roney, who also attends Big Sandy Community & Technical College, spoke recently at a ceremony recognizing donation by the Varia family to the East Kentucky Science Center & Varia Planetarium. Milton also Shares the opportunities Job Corps, college presented him.

The $15,101 donation will make it possible for Floyd County students and students at the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center and the David School to visit the planetarium free of charge. The donation also will be used to purchase new planetarium programs for area students.

The donation was made by Sheel Slone, granddaughter of Dr. Mahendra Varia, the namesake of the planetarium, and his widow, Dr. Chandra Varia. The donation was made in honor of Slone’s young daughter. Dr. Mahendra Varia, an area veterinarian, served as a member of the Big Sandy College

Perkins student Milton Roney speaks at the ceremony at Varia Planetarium.
Educational Foundation Inc. for more than 30 years. He also served as a member of the Martin, KY, City Council from 1998 until his death in 2014. Varia’s wife, Dr. Chandra Varia, also attended the ceremony.

Roney detailed to guests the opportunities he has received at the Perkins Job Corps Center, and at BSCTC and the Varia Planetarium. Additionally, other Perkins students as well as students from the David School enjoyed a planetarium show and the Hubble space exhibit that currently is on display at the center.

Perkins Job Corps thanks the Varia family for this generous donation.