Indian River alumni seek donations for scholarships by April 30
As local students round the corner into their final marking period, the Indian River High School Alumni Association is preparing to award college scholarships. With its annual fundraiser bash canceled for the second consecutive spring due to COVID-19, the association members have heard that people still wish to continue chipping in toward student scholarships.
The IR Pride Scholarship is offered annually both to IR seniors and IR alumni continuing their education, at all ages.
“In these trying times, scholarships are vital to our graduating seniors,” said Karen Ware, alumni association president. “Our main fundraiser is the beef and brew that we had to cancel in 2020, and this year’s will probably be a scaled-down version. We are reaching out to the community to help us raise funds so we can award multiple scholarships this year.”
The group has budgeted for several scholarships this year from its reserve fund, and community members have a chance to stretch the prize amounts. Even $10 contributions would be gratefully accepted from anyone wishing to support continued education of local youth.
“If there’s anybody in the community that would like to donate, it will go directly to scholarships,” said Ware.
The scholarships celebrate school spirit, not just academics, athletics or financial need. Meanwhile, alumni of all ages can win prizes for any college level, from an associate degree to post-doctorate. The alumni association tries to spread its resources over a large number of students, so 60 students have won IR Pride Scholarships in the past eight years.
Donations are tax-deductible. Checks can be mailed by Friday, April 30, to IRHS Alumni, 29772 Armory Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939.
The 2021beef and brew event, always a fun night of live music, prizes and an AYCE home-cooked buffet, is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 6, subject to health regulations.
Also available now are the popular IRHS Alumni license plates, with the Indian chief logo designed by IR students. Cost is $50 for 2-digit numbers and $25 for higher numbers. People can choose a lucky number, anniversary, graduation year, child’s graduation year or any other combination. A list of available numbers is online at IRHSalumni.com.
The nonprofit formed in 2012 to connect alumni while supporting the local high school community. Since then, the association has given over $55,000 in scholarships to IR grads of all ages. It also supports teacher projects and a staff recognition program, donates money to various student activities, organized construction and funding for the two school signs, and revamped the hall of fame program.
Indian River High School Alumni Association membership is free and open to graduates, family and other friends of the school. The monthly meetings are currently held via Zoom teleconference. For meeting details, go to the Indian River High School Alumni Facebook page. For more information, go to IRHSalumni.com or email IndianRiverAlumni@gmail.com.
