DiAnne Crisp

The Sylva woman was awarded the DailyPoint of Light Award for March 10, making her number 2895 since the program, begun by former President George Bush, was reinstated in 1998.

The national award recognizes the success of volunteers and spotlights their impact in their communities.

Crisp was honored for her work with the Ducks on the Tuck, a ducky derby held on the Tuckaseigee River to raise funds for Southwestern Community College’s New Century Scholars.

Crisp, along with her husband, Mitch, and daughter, Katie, came up with the fund-raising idea that is now an annual event in its fifth year.

“Each year DiAnne has donated funds and supported the purchase of the ducks and other supplies,” said Patti Wilson, New Century Scholars coordinator for Jackson County. “I nominated DiAnne for the award because of her tireless efforts to support youth in our community. She has a heart for kids and wants every kid to have the opportunity to be successful.”

New Century Scholars provides deserving students in grades 7-12 college preparatory support and guaranteed funding. Each year approximately 60 students are selected as rising 7th graders to become New Century Scholars. When New Century Scholars reach 12th grade and satisfactorily complete program requirements they are guaranteed tuition to SCC. Through a collaborative agreement with Western Carolina University, eligible students also receive assistance to attend WCU.

“It’s nice to be honored,” said Crisp, who received signed letters of congratulations from both Bush presidents. “Somebody from the Washington office of the Points of Light Foundation called me and told me that I was going to be honored for March 10.” (See http://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/dpol/winner.cfm?AwardNum=2895.)

“Points of Light are the soul of America. They are ordinary people who reach beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope and opportunity, friendship and care,” said former President George Bush.

For the past four years Crisp has served as chairperson of the Ducks on the Tuck steering committee. Each year the event raises approximately $12,000, an amount that will allow 24 students to become New Century Scholars.

New Century Scholars is designed to improve academic readiness, bolster student persistence toward high school graduation and increase the college-going rate. The program benefits the community by increasing the educational level of the workforce and fostering a sense of community ownership in the youth, Wilson said.

April 30, 2005 3:00 p.m. proceeds benefit Jackson County New Century Scholars adopt a duck for $5

“Over the past four years 96 students have been given the opportunity to attend college because of DiAnne’s vision and leadership,” said Wilson.

“DiAnne leads her volunteers by example because she does everything from selling duck tickets to dressing up as Tucker Duck at school events.”

When she is not doing that, Crisp volunteers for the Smoky Mountain High School Booster Club, mentors students with senior projects, volunteers at church and, according to Wilson, “helps out wherever there is a need.”

“We’ve got Ducks on the Tuck coming up April 30,” said Crisp. “By becoming a champion for our derby, you help to make the race – and the New Century Scholars program - happen.”