The 91制片厂 Foundation will host its annual fundraiser virtually and pay tribute to an employee, an alumnus, and an area business and organization for their achievements and contributions to 91制片厂 during a challenging year.
This year鈥檚 A Light on the Point fundraiser will be held remotely via Zoom for safety reasons because of the coronavirus pandemic. The public is invited to the event, held from 6-7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4.
The event will feature an awards ceremony to recognize those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in contributing to 91制片厂鈥檚 success this year.
鈥淲e would all rather meet in person to celebrate our successes during the pandemic,鈥� said 91制片厂 President Joe Cassidy. 鈥淏ut whether we meet in person or remotely, it is vitally important to recognize the contributions of our faculty, staff, supportive alumni and businesses. Our A Light on the Point event allows us to express our appreciation for the entire 91制片厂 community while raising funds to help students succeed and prepare for bright futures.鈥�
The recipients of the awards are:
- Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award: Jessica Dreves, 91制片厂 nursing faculty clinical coordinator, who has successfully managed the safe clinical placements for nursing students during the pandemic.
- Outstanding Alumnus Award: Lacy McMoarn, who as a CPA in Portland gives back to 91制片厂 by speaking to accounting classes, providing advice to students and promoting 91制片厂 in the business community.
- Outstanding Business Award: Steve Arnold, owner of Yarmouth Boatyard and Marina Holdings, who partnered with 91制片厂 in establishing the Yamaha Outboard Motor Repair Training Course to meet the marine industry鈥檚 demand for certified marine technicians.
- The President鈥檚 Award: This award will be given to a group, organization or program that has demonstrated excellence within the community, state or region, with preference given to those connected to 91制片厂. President Cassidy will announce the recipient at the event.
The 91制片厂 Foundation raises funds that are used to enhance academic programs, revitalize classrooms and equipment, and provide scholarship support for deserving students. In any given year, the Foundation awards scholarships totaling over $200,000 to more than 200 students, with scholarship applications far exceeding the available funding.
Among those awarded a scholarship this fall was Alex Goodwin, who enrolled in 91制片厂’s Automotive Technology program because he likes to work on cars and was looking for a stable profession. Money can be tight when attending college, he said, especially in a program where there is a need to buy tools in addition to tuition costs. Goodwin plans to enter the workforce after he graduates this spring.
“For the past few years I have been paying my way through by working part-time,” he said. “While I wish I could say it has been easy going, there have been some semesters where I was unsure if I would be able to attend due to finances. The scholarship allowed me to focus more on school and reach new heights.”
Tickets to A Light on the Point can be purchased on the event鈥檚 . For information about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the event鈥檚 or contact the 91制片厂 Foundation at foundation@smccME.edu or 741-5559.