Club Chronicles: Clubs’ fundraisers help with scholarships

What do local clubs do with the proceeds they earn from their fundraisers?

They give back to the community and schools through scholarships. Regardless of the amount of these scholarships, they make a difference in a student’s ability to continue his or her education.

At the Russellville High School Annual Awards Night Program, more than $1.6 million was awarded to graduating seniors, as reported by the counselor. Most of these scholarships were presented by state and national colleges, universities, community and technical colleges, athletic, military institutions and memorial scholarships.

While most students wait until the spring semester to start applying for scholarships, the early bird gets the worm – and that is certainly the case with scholarships! Students should begin preparing applications for these scholarships as early as the summer months and no later than the first month of their senior year. It is time consuming, but it could give them a leg up over their peers and be rewarding for them in the end.

Recognizing the importance of higher education in today’s world, many local clubs have awarded scholarships to deserving seniors for many years. Money to fund these scholarships os obtained through many fundraisers, such as steak sandwich sales, barbecue sales, Tour of Homes, festivals and many more.

This year local clubs and organizations awarded more than $10,000 cash scholarships. These included the Cattlemen’s Association; AFWC Book Lovers Study Club; Civitan Club; Masonic Lodge; Rotary Club; Franklin County Chamber of Commerce; Cultura Garden Club; Franklin County Arts Council; and Franklin County Education Retiree Association.

Many of these clubs and organizations also make donations to scholarships through their national and state affiliations. Some of these include Girls State, Boys State, Miss Alabama, Beta State and many others.

These clubs and organizations appreciate the community’s support of their scholarship endeavors. The next time you have an opportunity to purchase a steak sandwich or barbecue dinner or a ticket to a special event, we encourage you to support these worthwhile projects.

Club Chronicles is written by Susie Hovater Malone.