9th annual Du Quoin Dist. 300 foundation dinner to be held Saturday

The District #300 Educational Foundation will be hosting its 9th Annual Foundation dinner event Saturday, May 2.

This annual event will begin in the Du Quoin High School Hibbs Auditorium starting at 5:30 p.m. and conclude with dinner in the DHS Commons after the presentation of scholarships and recognition awards.

During the evening, more than 60 scholarships will be awarded to graduating DHS seniors along with four individuals being honored through the Foundation Recognition Program. 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 400 scholarships to graduating seniors from Du Quoin High School. The total value of scholarships during the past nine years has exceeded $430,000, which has included matching scholarship opportunities in cooperation with the Illinois "Dollars For Scholars" program, John A. Logan College, and Murray State University. The vast contributions by community organizations, groups and individuals have made the Foundation Scholarship Program a large success.

The Foundation has also been successful in funding a number of instructional projects during the past nine school years. Each school has benefited by funds being provided through the Foundation for grade level and classroom projects, field trips and other special 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 2014-2015 year, Rich Gossett has served as President, Andrew Darnell has served as Vice-President, Robyn Laur Russell has served as Treasurer with Candace Campanella serving as Secretary. Other members of the Foundation Board include Jamie Ellermeyer, Zach McPherson, and Pam Urban.

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 and tickets may be purchased at each school office or at the District #300 Central Office during normal business hours.