Ducks on the Tuck event in Jackson County

Over 2,500 little rubber ducks recently made their voyage from Depot St. Bridge in Dillsboro to the Ducks on the Tuck finish line on the Tuckasegee River at Western Builders, netting $16,000 for the New Century Scholars program.

Taylor Medlin, daughter of Robert and Melissa Medlin of Tuckasegee, was the winner of the yellow Marshin scooter from Riverside Auto given away through the recent sixth annual Ducks on the Tuck race. The scooter was accepted by Taylor's parents.

The sixth annual event sparked local residents to pay $5 each for a chance to win prizes and provide 32 rising seventh grade students with the opportunity to go to college.

Proceeds from the race go to Southwestern Community College Foundation and are earmarked for the NCS program. Upon graduation from high school and completion of requirements, New Century Scholars are awarded last dollar tuition scholarships. If they complete the tuition-free two years at SCC, they are then provided two more years tuition at Western Carolina University.

Taylor, daughter of Robert and Melissa Medlin of Tuckasegee, was the grand prize winner, taking home a Marshin scooter donated by Riverside Auto. Taylor is a first grade student in Debbie Hooper's room at Cullowhee Valley School.

According to Patty Wilson, NCS Jackson County program coordinator, this year's corporate sponsors for Ducks on the Tuck included Smoky Mt. High, Riverside Auto, Dillsboro Chocolate Factory, Sweet Dreams Bakery, Simply T's , Dixon Hughes, Jackson County Recreation Department, Jackson Paper Manufacturing, The Fun Factory, Jack the Dipper, The Painter, Western Builders Inc., and Allison's Chevrolet.

"We want to thank them and the Jackson County merchants who provided over 95 prizes for the event for their support," she said. "We couldn't have done it without them."

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