Dollars For Scholars continues legacy of success

To the editor:
    “That was so much fun!” “Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?” “I’ve seen people I haven’t connected with in years! It was wonderful!” “Is this going to become an annual event?” “Man, I had a blast!” Those are just a few of the positive comments I heard over and over at the Houlton/Hodgdon Alumni Basketball game held on December 30th at the Houlton High School auditorium. The atmosphere was filled with “fun, fun, fun.” There were happy faces from the participants and fans alike at what turned out to be a very positive community event!
    The game was sponsored by the Houlton/Hodgdon Dollars for Scholars. The students in our communities have benefited greatly from Dollars for Scholars which began the school year of 1969-70. Our little Dollars for Scholars organization has received the Reader’s Digest Award by the Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation five times, more than any chapter in the United States. What a huge accomplishment! That kind of dedication and passion was what contributed to the success of the games.
    As a board member I have sat on the committee as we have tried to figure how to raise enough money to give to graduating seniors from the respective schools who are pursuing a higher education. It has been the policy of Dollars for Scholars from their beginning to give money to everyone who applies for a scholarship. In years past, the senior class went door-to-door asking for donations. Unfortunately we no longer feel door-to-door campaigning is a safe way for the students to raise funds.
    A few years ago, we began a tele-a-thon which was held over a period of three evenings. Each year brought more and more challenges. The biggest obstacle we currently face is that many people have only cell phones and their numbers are not listed in the phonebook.
    In November the idea of an Alumni Game was birthed. Needless to say, there was a tremendous amount of work to be completed in a short period of time. This very positive event could not have taken place without the willingness of so many people to give of their time and skill to participate.
    Thanks go to all who coached, played, cheered, came to watch and support their team and donated to the funds that will help with the education of our youth. There were over 500 tickets sold and we on the Dollars for Scholars committee were thrilled to watch the happy faces as people left the gymnasium at the end of the evening!
    If you were unable to attend the games and would like to donate to the Houlton/Hodgdon Dollars for Scholars, you may do that by sending your check (made payable to Houlton/Hodgdon Dollars for Scholars) to Houlton High School, Guidance Department, 5 Bird Street, Houlton, ME 04730.
    I hope to see you at the game next year!
Becky Miller
Littleton