Every year, the Solanco Education Foundation (SEF) awards multiple scholarships to students throughout Solanco School District who are preparing to embark on the next chapter of their academic careers. The scholarships aim to provide an opportunity for students to continue to excel after graduation, as well as supporting high-schoolers who may not be able to attend college otherwise. This year, SEF gave out more than $32,000 to 16 students, which is the largest amount of scholarship funds awarded since before the coronavirus pandemic.

SEF's scholarships are primarily funded through its annual Tee It Up for Education golf fundraiser. This year, the event will take place on Friday, Aug. 16, at Tanglewood Manor Golf Club, 653 Scotland Road, Quarryville. Registration will begin at noon, followed by a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Golfers will have an opportunity to earn prizes as a team during the event as they raise money to support students in the school district.

"It's a jolly good time," said Solanco School District staff member Becky Guhl. "We have amazing sponsors who have continued to support the golf outing year after year, and we're so appreciative. It makes a huge difference, which is evident this year."

SEF gives out three different scholarships at the end of each school year: the SEF Scholarship, the Futures Scholarship and the Opportunity Scholarship. The Academic Scholarship is awarded to students who achieved high grade point averages and completed various advanced courses during their high school careers. The Futures Scholarship is given to students who are the first members of their family to attend college, and the Opportunity Scholarship is given to students who are hard workers and good candidates for college, even if their high school grades don't qualify them for typical scholarships. This year, Gavin Cox, Cody Rose and Bradley Weder won the Opportunity Scholarship, and Kristen Eckman, Holly Grube and Aidan Todd received the Futures Scholarship. The 2024 SEF Scholarship winners comprise Brady Jassen, Taelor Martin, Olivia Musser, Courtney Sellers, Gabriella Kraynak, Devon Culberson, Cameron Zook, Michael Eisenberger, Benjamin Williams and Owen Underwood.

"Colleges are really expensive. If you come out carrying a huge debt, it means that it will take graduates that much longer before they can truly start living their lives," said SEF board member Fan Bender, who also serves as a member of the organization's scholarship committee.

For more information or to sign up for the golf fundraiser, visit https://solancoeducationfoundation.org.