Duck Race nets $12,000 for New Century Scholars program

DILLSBORO - One Cullowhee Valley student's little dream became a huge reality last Saturday when more than 2,173 yellow plastic ducks raced down Scott's Creek and into the Tuckasiegee River.

The first-place duck crossed the "Ducks on the Tuck" finish line less than 15 minutes after it first splashed into the water, but this brief half-mile race will leave a lasting impact on Jackson County because it opened up doors of educational opportunity for two-dozen public school students. Connie Haire, Southwestern Community College's Vice President for Student and Institutional Development, reported that the event raised more than $12,000 for the New Century Scholars Program.

In all, 2,173 ducks floated down the currents Saturday, though not all of them completed the full course. The first 131 across won prizes for the people who adopted them at $5 apiece. Margie Douthit of Bryson City won first prize—a Myrtle Beach getaway package that includes a condo and free tickets to the Alabama Theater.

But the race, which was the brainchild of eighth-grader Katie Crisp, was only part of the story. More than 60 volunteers, including 15 from SCC, helped make the event a success.

"This event worked so well because all the volunteers cheerfully did their jobs and had a good time," Haire said. "We are most appreciative of the community effort and support, especially the hard work of Patty Wilson and DiAnne Crisp. Steve White did a tremendous job securing prizes; Diane Campbell coordinated and ran the food booth just like the pro she is. The duck race could not have happened without the river expertise of the Trout Unlimited members who released ducks and captured winning (and all) ducks at the finish line. We appreciate all the sponsors who provided prizes and food products, and Western Builders who hosted the finish line. I also want to thank Lisa Crawford and Gladys Bishop who kept track of duck sales and ducks.

"We at SCC are thrilled that this project was so well received and that the community responded so positively. Katie Crisp's idea of Ducks on the Tuck will be continued for years to come. A student who wanted to help her community has started something big!"

The New Century Scholars Program was established in 1995 to provide selected junior high students with a guaranteed, last-dollar scholarship to attend SCC—as long as they meet program requirements. Each scholarship costs just $500. Currently 596 students are enrolled. The first set of New Century Scholars will enroll full-time at SCC this fall.