Extraordinary DTHS Class of 1961 Has $19,610 Goal

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The 1961 Class at DTHS for the 50th reunion felt there could be no better way of celebrating their milestone reunion than with a "giving back" theme- the class established the inaugural Alumni scholarship/education fund in the DQ Education Foundation with a fund raising goal of $19,610.

To date the class has raised almost one-half that amount with $8,470 paid plus $1,000 pledged. The class plan is to meet their goal in the fall of 2013. However, the major objective of the 1961 class was to provide the "seed money" and impetus for other alumni and class groups to contribute to the Alumni Scholarship/Education Fund.

Jenna Doerr has been chosen by the Scholarship Committee of the DQ Education Foundation to receive the 2012 inaugural Alumni Scholarship for $1,000. Jenna is a very deserving student, a 4.0/4.0 who has major achievements not only in academics, but an active member in many school clubs and organizations as well as a community volunteer. She is planning on attending SIU - Carbondale and majoring in Nursing. We are very pleased to provide such an excellent young person with the first Alumni Scholarship. As the DHS Alumni Scholarship Program grows, with support of other classes and all DTHS Alumni, many additional scholarships and educational programs can be funded.

For those not familiar with the District #300 Education Foundation it just celebrated its sixth year of successful existence and looks forward to continued growth during the coming years. The Foundation Board anticipates as the "Alumni Scholarship Fund" grows more resources will be devoted to enhance student learning through classroom grants for each school level and to provide scholarship for DHS high school graduates. Many scholarships are now awarded to graduating seniors through the hard work of the Foundation board. However, many other excellent students and projects are not being funded and support from the Alumni Fund can help fill this void.

"All alumni have fond memories of our high school years. And looking back, the class of 61 realized more than ever what an excellent education we received. This Alumni class believes that the teachers and classmates at DHS (it was DTHS in our day) helped lay the foundation for our personal and professional growth and development. Our alma mater needs Alumni support to enhance educational opportunities for current and future students and teachers," according to class member John Redman.

"All Alumni should have the opportunity to give back to the school and the community that gave us so much. With the establishment of the Alumni Scholarship fund in the tax deductible 501c3 DQ Education Foundation, alumni now have the opportunity to show their appreciation and contribute to the Fund," he said.

See the website below for additional information and how to contribute to the Alumni Scholarship: http://www.duquoinschools.org/vnews/display.v/SEC/Educational%20Foundation.