Du Quoin Education Foundation's annual dinner this Saturday

DU QUOIN - The District #300 Educational Foundation will host its 12th annual Foundation Dinner Event this Saturday, May 5. This event will start out in the Du Quoin High School Hibbs Auditorium at 5:30 p.m. and conclude with dinner in the DHS Commons after the presentation of scholarships and recognition awards.

Over 70 scholarships will be awarded to graduating DHS seniors, along with several individuals being honored through the Foundation Recognition Program. This year, the Foundation will honor the valedictorians of Du Quoin High School from 1960 through 1979. The cost of tickets for this event is $15 per individual or $30 per couple. Nearly 300 people attend this event each year.

From its inception, the Foundation will have awarded over 600 scholarships to graduating seniors from Du Quoin High School. The total value of scholarships during the past 11 years has exceeded $600,000, which has included matching scholarship opportunities in cooperation with the Illinois "Dollars For Scholars" program and John A. Logan College.

The vast contributions by community organizations, groups, and individuals have made the Foundation Scholarship Program a large success to assist students as they further their education beyond high school.

The Foundation has also been successful in funding a number of instructional projects during the past 12 school years. Each school has benefited by funds being provided through the Foundation for grade level and classroom projects, field trips, and other special learning projects.

During the past school year, the Foundation has been served by the time and effort of several individuals who provide leadership as voluntary members of the Foundation's board of directors. For the 2017-2018 year, Rich Gossett has served as President, Andrew Darnell has served as Vice-President, with Pam Pursell serving as Secretary. Other members of the Foundation Board include: Jamie Ellermeyer, Tim Leake, Zach McPherson, Pam Urban, and Trent Waller.

A large part of the cost for this event is underwritten by Pepsi MidAmerica and all proceeds will benefit the District #300 Educational Foundation Scholarship Program. Members of the public are invited to attend and tickets may be purchased at each school office or at the District #300 Central Office during normal business hours.