On Monday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 7 p.m. the Polk County Campus ICC Foundation will host a reception at which the community can meet its New Century Scholars and hear about this education scholarship program.
Students to be presented are eighth-graders Victor Santos and Michaela Villecco; ninth-graders Caleb Byars and Angela Bradley; 10th-graders Andrew Petersen, Hannah Tafoya and Desiree Villecco; 11th-graders Daniel Schoren, Lakeyah Simpson and Taylor Stapleton; and 12th-graders Paco Chavez and Diana Silva. In addition, three students from the seventh grade will be announced at the reception and inducted into the program.
Students designated as New Century Scholars receive tuition-free college educations at Isothermal Community College if they successfully complete the multi-year program.
Scholars entering the seventh grade are selected by the Polk County Middle School staff and receive mentoring, guidance and preparation during the middle and high school years to ensure readiness for college. In the meantime, students must maintain good school attendance, grades, citizenship, remain drug and alcohol-free and perform volunteer service hours each year. These students work hard to develop their potential and successfully reach their goals. The Polk County ICC Foundation guarantees them college educations if they do.
To help fund this commitment to its New Century Scholars, the board of the Polk County Campus ICC Foundation annually hosts a golf tournament at The Cliffs at Glassy. This year the tournament will be held Monday, Oct. 24.  Anyone interested in supporting this event by playing or donating items should call 828-894-6081.
The reception on Sept. 12 is free and open to the public. All who attend will hear a short program and be treated to a light supper. For more information, call the Polk campus at 828-894-3092 or email pcciccfoundation@gmail.com
– article submitted by Elisabeth Barrows