With graduation ceremonies behind us, we close the books on another great year for the Dollars for Scholars program.
The program is designed to inspire young men and women to become active volunteers and give back to our community. This year we awarded seven, $1,000 scholarships to graduating San Juan Island seniors, and since our inception over $160,000 has been awarded.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these seven individuals for sticking with it and completing the program requirements of community service: Amanda Brast, Stewart Bell, Marga Eshelman, Julie Hagn, Melissa Hickenbottom, Audrey Olshefskey and Amanda Turnbull.
In addition to congratulating the scholarship recipients, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to share my appreciation and sincere thanks to all the people and organizations who make our program successful:
Our scholarships are funded by generous donations from individuals that recognize the value of instilling a volunteering spirit in our youth, the local restaurants which partner in our Dining for Scholars program, and finally by all of YOU when you show your support by dining out at one of our Dining for Scholars events.
This year, all of these local restaurants opened their doors and hearts to our program. The portion of their profits they shared from Dining for Scholars was essential to our fundraising efforts – so thank you too: China Pearl/Kung Fu Pizza, Blue Water Bar & Grill, Lime Kiln Café, McMillin’s at Roche Harbor, Cask & Schooner, KO Subs, Downriggers, Banry Café, Bakery San Juan, MiCasita, Coho Restaurant, Rumor Mill, Market Chef, Vic’s Drive-In, Vinny’s Restaurant, Hungry Clam, Golden Triangle and Ernie’s.
I would also like to thank the San Juan Island Community Foundation for their support in funding our new website www.dollarsforscholarssji.org. Please visit us to find out more about our program, how to engage students volunteers or to donate. Dollars for Scholars, San Juan Island is a program of Scholarship America.
June Arnold/President, Dollars for Scholars – San Juan Island
