Former graduates sought for Dollars for Scholars game

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    The Houlton-Hodgdon Dollars for Scholars chapter has solicited monies to support local young people in their endeavors for a secondary education.
    In the past, seniors and board members have canvassed door-to-door and sought out businesses in their quest to build the fund. In recent years, the Houlton-Hodgdon Dollars for Scholars chapter has held a phone-a-thon over three nights, while garnering funds from businesses and the annual Meduxnekeag River Canoe Race.
    “Last year, we were down $10,000 in donations,” said Hollie McPartland, Houlton High School guidance counselor and Dollars for Scholars member. “Some of that was economic, but some of it was around the phone-a-thon and people not having land lines anymore.”
    So, volunteers were spending time trying to call a number that was either disconnected or phones were shut off.
    “So, we needed to come up with some new fundraisers,” McPartland said.
    This year, the Houlton-Hodgdon Dollars for Scholars committee has decided instead of a phone-a-thon to bring back former students to help with the cause.
    An alumni basketball playoff between Houlton and Hodgdon is set for Friday, Dec. 30 at Houlton High School. The game will pit Houlton and Hodgdon graduates of all ages  against each other, along with cheerleaders and majorettes on the sidelines. The girls’ alumni game will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by the boys’ alumni contest at 7 p.m.
    To make the game lively, David McGillicuddy, Joe Fagnant and Kelly (Clukey) Ellis will lead a combined alumni band. And, Ron Murray will be announcing the players.
    The Houlton-Hodgdon Dollars for Scholars Chapter was organized in the school years 1969-70, with 28 students seeking a secondary education and money raised was $6,175. Many businesses and individuals have been supportive of the effort, as the numbers of seniors going to college have stayed consistent over the years with double-digit fundraising amounts.
    All that is needed now are the players for each team. At least 40 players will be on the combined teams, with each quarter bringing in a new set of players. Some of the men who have already agreed to play for Houlton include Gerald “Moose” Karnes, Paul Adams, Dean Clark, Eric Cowperthwaite, Matt Swallow and Al Cowperthwaite. For the Hodgdon alumni, Ryan Cleary, Seth Dorr, Chris Williams, Jordan Guy, Adam Hogan and Jason Little have committed.
    On the women’s side, Erica McGary Tweedie is trying to recruit players from her high school days and Hodgdon alumni include Chelsea Sloat, Carrie Brown Guerette, Megan Bither, Shanna McGary, Brianne McGary and Haley Quint.
    However, more players are needed to make this event a success. To sign up to play, cheer or be in the band, call McPartland at 532-6551; Kara Wright at 532-2413 or Rob Smith at 532-2413.
    The Houlton-Hodgdon Dollars for Scholars Chapter also has a Facebook page —Houlton Alumni vs. Hodgdon Alumni Basketball Game — for more information, e-mail karawright@msln.net or robertsmith@msln.net.