$30,000 Scholarship to Help College Bound UCS Students Presented to Board

The Utica community Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence presented the class of 2012 with a $30,000 check to offset college costs.

The check was presented to the UCS Board of Education for the Superintendent's Scholarship Fund. The scholarship money was the result of the foundation's Arts & Idols May fundraiser at the .

Since its inception, thehas raised more than $60,000 for UCS students.

"The foundation is proud to be a partner with Utica Schools to create additional opportunities for our students," said foundation president Brent Bohlinger.

The Superintendent's Scholarship is open to all UCS seniors. Last year's program helped offset college costs for 17 graduates, who attended schools such as University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University and Central Michigan University.

"The Arts & Idols team is dedicated to hosting an event that offers a great night out and makes a difference for our students," event chair Gene Klida said. "Our volunteers are committed to helping our students earn the resources they need to further their education and reach higher."

More scholarships will be funded through the Foundation's next annual Arts & Idols Gala, scheduled for Thursday, May 31st, 2012 at the Palazzo Grande Banquet Center on Van Dyke, just south of 25 Mile Road.

The event features a full dinner, silent and live auctions of UCS student art work and the final competition among 10 "Idols" - adult singers who were selected in earlier auditions. Contestants will be able to audition in January.