Scholarships keep students' hopes alive

As a trustee at Parkland College, I want to report that Parkland held its annual scholarship reception April 16 in the gymnasium to honor scholarship recipients and donors.

Bob Plecki of Busey Bank was our donor speaker, and each donor and student in attendance was recognized. In all, the Parkland College Foundation awarded 231 scholarships to 182 students (an 11.5 percent increase from '06-07) during the 2007-08 academic year, totaling $185,651.15 (a 1.5 percent increase from '06-07). Students and district residents often express gratitude for the chance to keep their higher educational dreams alive through the Parkland scholarships they have received.