Submitted photo Julie Sjol (left) and Paola Trottier at the 2018 State Dollars for Scholars conference.

The Rugby Dollars for Scholars Chapter received a $1,000 donation from Bank of North Dakota (BND) to distribute as a scholarship. Their collaboration with the high school and local community to host The Career Discovery ND, Financial Aid Night, and the College Application Month in 2018 allowed them to qualify for the donation. These events encouraged families to become more aware of the opportunities available in the state for planning and financing post-secondary education.

Paola Trottier and Julie Sjol (Rugby Dollars for Scholars board members) also attended the 2018 State Dollars for Scholars Conference as a requirement for receiving the above funds as well.

North Dakota Dollars for Scholars has 66 community chapters in the state. Bank of North Dakota provides two State Directors and operational support for local chapters. Since the first chapter was established in Grand Forks in 1962, Dollars for Scholars chapters in North Dakota have raised nearly $38 million and helped over 39,000 students.

This year, the local chapter plans to distribute $12,000 to local high school students and recent graduates attending college. Other local scholarships are also able to use the Dollars for Scholars online application system as a means to distribute their awards. The deadline for applying to scholarships for this year is April 1, 2019! Events such as the Frisbee toss at home football games, conducting the 50/50 raffles at home basketball games, and the Annual Dollars for Scholars Gala increase the funds available for the students.

The most recent Gala was held on November 2, 2018 at the Rugby Eagles Club. The event had a Halloween theme and attendees were encouraged to come in costume. The photo is of our board members in their costumes! Tickets to the event included a catered meal by the Balta Bar and Grill. Those in attendance could purchase tickets for various prizes that were largely donated by many local businesses and individuals. The grand prize of $1,000 was won by Meredith Childress and she generously donated the money back to the chapter. Several prizes were also bid on in a live auction event such as UND Hockey Tickets, a Traeger Grill, signed UND Fighting Sioux logo prints, and a one of a kind Korn Hole yard game. Chances to win a gun and purse were also purchased. The evening ended with entertainment by Howling Horse Productions DJ’s and their fantastic Halloween display.

Individuals and families may donate directly to the local chapter. You may do so by contacting any board member. Members of the Rugby Dollars for Scholars board are Chad Hager, Kyle DeMontigny, Paul Schaan, Julie Sjol, Danielle McCabe, Brad Fritel, Mike McNeff, Paola Trottier, Andrew Arnston, Alyson Schepp, Cory Geiszler, Christie Jaeger and Laurie Volk.

For more information on North Dakota Dollars for Scholars, visit northdakota.dollarsforscholars.org or call 888.592.8540. For more information on Rugby Dollars for Scholars visit rugby.dollarsforscholars.org or contact Julie or Paola at the Rugby High School at 776-5201.

Thank you to everyone that has contributed to the success of the Rugby Dollars for Scholars Program.

– Rugby DFS