Chinese Fund to offer scholarships to Chinese students at Technion
Jun 19th
The Chinese Hanqing International Education Foundation signed an agreement with the Technion this week stating that it will offer scholarships in the amount of $8 million to Chinese students who study at the Technion.
The agreement, which is valid for 20 years, was signed in the presence of Mayor of Haifa Yona Yahav, Technion President Professor Peretz Lavie, Chinese businessman Zhao Hanqing, and Mr Hui Jian, Mayor of Handan, China, the donor’s birthplace.
It stated that the scholarships will support excellent Chinese students upon their acceptance to the Technion.
In the initial phase of the project, students pursuing Masters and Ph.D. degrees will be selected to receive an annual scholarship and financial support in the amount of $35,000 per student, in order to cover all of their expenses during the year.
The fund will first support five students each year, a number which is expected to gradually expand to reach 25 students within five years.
In addition, an executive council comprised of six members, three of which will be from the Technion and three from the Foundation, will be appointed to oversee the operations.
Technion President Peretz Lavie called the initiative “a historic agreement” and thanked Zhao Hanqing for his “generous gift”.
“The Technion played a fundamental role in the development of Israel, and I am certain that Chinese students studying here at Technion will learn valuable tools and skills that will help them in advancing the development of their country,” Lavie said in a statement.
Handan Mayor, Mr. Hui Jian, stressed that “this agreement is the beginning of a greater cooperation between the cities of Haifa and Handan, and between China and Israel.”
He added that as Handan, which hosts a population of some ten million people, intends to undergo “an industrial transformation”, he views the Chinese students that will study at the Technion as “the future leaders of this process.”
Chinese Ambassador to Israel, Gao Yanping spoke last week at the Technion about the growing technological cooperation between China and Israel and the potential for academic cooperation between the Technion and China.
“The enrollment period for the summer term at Chinese universities has recently come to a close,” she said, “Out of nine million candidates, seven million were accepted.”
“The Technion is a world-class technological institution,” she added. “If I was able to turn back time, I would have liked to have been a student here.”
From www.jpost.com
Tech savvy marketing guru awards scholarship to GHS grad
Jun 19th
Tech savvy marketing guru awards scholarship to GHS grad
by Dan Sanderson-Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 19, 2013 9:46 AM EDT
In her day-to-day life running a website development and marketing firm she founded, Rebecca Gill honors her Grayling heritage and for the first time this year she is paying it forward by awarding a scholarship to a Grayling High School graduate.
Gill is the president of Web Savvy Marketing, a Detroit-based technology firm. She manages daily activities for the company, is an active and well-published blogger and teaches workshops.
Gill moved to Grayling, from where she was raised in Hemlock, out of necessity. Her mother, Nancy, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and the disease was getting the best of her. At age 11, Gill was taken in by family.
“I just really wanted someone to take care of me because my mother was sick,” Gill recalled. “My aunt and uncle offered to take me in. It was the best decision I have made. I needed some stability and the town of Grayling provided that.”
At first, Gill lived with Patricia and Duane Petrie. Later, she lived with her grandparents Ellen and Erling Klug
While growing up in Grayling, Gill’s peers and their parents became part of her extended family. They would take her to movies, pay for her school field trips and help her with more complicated issues such as applying to receive free lunches and financial aid for college.
“As an adult, I look back and can see how people rallied to take of me, so much more now that I have kids of my own,” Gill said. “I don’t think you’d get that in a larger town.”
One particular couple that looked out for Gill was Claudia and Jim Jones. She also attended activities such as the prom with their family.
Gill graduated from Grayling High School in 1989. She attended Central Michigan University, where she graduated from the school of accounting in 1994. Gill also earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Gill started her career with Lowry Computer Products as an operations manager, focused on inventory management, purchasing and vendor negotiations, customer service and accounting information systems. She moved on to become a senior consultant for Technology Firm International.
Gill left the firm to join Delphi’s Safety and Interior Division as a sales manager, which led to new business opportunities with General Motors and DaimlerChrysler. She went back to work for the Technology Firm International as vice president of marketing.
Unable to quench her desire for technology-based marketing, Gill started Web Savvy Marketing in 2009.
Web Savvy Marketing designs websites and provides marketing consulting to businesses and organizations.
“We kind of have a wide range of people that we take care of and serve,” Gill said. “It’s exciting technology.”
Stock themed website applications, which can be purchased through Web Savvy Marketing, are named after people from Gill’s family tree and from people in Grayling. An application named after a family members includes Gill’s father, Robert. A business-oriented application is named Rasmus, to pay tribute to Grayling lumberman and benefactor to Camp Grayling Rasmus Hanson.
“It’s my way of keeping my history alive and it is a daily reminder of where I came from,” Gill said.
Web Savvy Marketing has given back by developing websites for non-profit organization, supporting a local hockey team, providing school supplies and backpacks to students and supporting mission trips to Africa.
Fast forward to 2013, Gill established a scholarship for a Grayling High School student, following in the footsteps of family members who have also funded scholarships to support educational endeavors for local students.
But the final decision for the scholarship was not an easy decision for Gill, because one the finalists was Jo Hamlin, the granddaughter of Claudia and Jim Jones.
“I didn’t want to show favoritism,” Gill said.
Some of the questions on the scholarship application were: What makes you happy? And, what else can you tell me about you?
“Her answers were by far the most creative,” Gill said. “That was the Grayling that I knew and remembered and wanted to support.”
Hamlin’s answers tipped the decision for the scholarship in her favor.
Hamlin is the daughter of Beth and Paul Hamlin.
Hamlin, who will attend Kirtland Community College to study criminal justice and will play basketball, compared her future to making an ice cream sundae.
“Once I complete high school, pursuing my adult life and a career is what will cause me glee. The cherry on top of this educational ice cream sundae would be to still compete in sports like basketball and barrel racing,” Hamlin wrote in her application for the scholarship. “Of course, the chocolate topping is maintaining and building more positive relationships with my friends, family and people I have yet to meet. Then, eventually I hope to become a police officer and give back to all the generous people who have supported me over the years.”
Gill commended Hamlin for her foresight for recognizing the Grayling community that has helped her nourish and grow.
“Jo is a bit wiser than I am, because she seems to have figured this out at a much younger age than I did. I didn’t see the magic Grayling offered until I was much older and with children of my own,” Gill said. “I’m now a city girl, but my roots have stayed with me and they sneak into my grown up world on the Internet.”
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From www.crawfordcountyavalanche.com
Visitors’ Bureau Awards Scholarships
Jun 19th
The Chautauqua County Visitors’ Bureau recently awarded Don Hogan Tourism Scholarships to five area high school seniors.
Each scholarship awarded was for $700, with money raised during 2012 at the annual Don Hogan Memorial Golf Tournament at Chautauqua Golf Club’s Lake Course. Under the leadership of Don Anderson of Camp Chautauqua, Visitor’s Bureau board member and past president, the bureau has raised more than $3,500 annually for scholarship awards in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Thirty area college-bound seniors submitted essays with their ideas about how area tourism attractions can draw more visitors. The essayists listed a host of ideas, ranging from careful maintenance of area waterways to offering train excursions to placing geo-caches at area attractions. Students also identified the need to educate visitors about locations of recreation areas and to promote local food favorites.
Scholarships were awarded to Jennifer Merchant of Panama Central School, who will be attending Elmira College; Katelyn DeChard of Cassadaga Valley, who will be attending the State University at Fredonia; Jeffrey Rupp, a home school student in the Cherry Creek area who will attend Maranatha in Wisconsin; Kristin Grohol of Westfield Academy and Central School, who will attend Barnard College; and Mikaela Swanson of Maple Grove, who will attend Jamestown Community College.
The Chautauqua Golf Club will host the 17th annual CCVB/Hogan Memorial Golf Tournament on Sept. 14 to raise money for 2014. Since the inception of the scholarship program, 65 area students have received scholarships to help further their education and raise awareness of the importance of the local tourism industry.
The program is in honor of Donald J. Hogan, founding member and longtime director of the Chautauqua County Vacationland Association, predecessor of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, a not-for-profit agency, is the official tourism promotion agency for Chautauqua County and New York state’s Chautauqua-Allegheny Region, which includes Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties.
From post-journal.com
Hunter Moreland Awarded Pearl And Floyd Franks Scholarship
Jun 18th
The Share America Foundation, Inc. presented Hunter Moreland with the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship at the Ringgold Depot for $1,000.
Mr. Moreland, a graduate of Heritage High School in Ringgold, plays bagpipes, saxophone and bassoon.
Pearl and Floyd Franks are the late parents and former entertainment managers of actor/entertainer Randall Franks. The scholarships honor students excelling in the Appalachian musical arts.
Mr. Moreland will attend the University of Georgia and study music education. He said he hopes to become a high school band director.
He is the son of Braden and Angie Moreland of Ringgold and grandson of Jane and the late James Moreland of Ringgold and Harvey and Martha Allison of Keith, Ga.
Share America Foundation Board members include Randall Franks, president; Joe Turner, chairman; Gene Lowery, vice chairman; James Pelt, secretary; Adam Cathey, and Jerry Robinson, Sr., vice president. For more information about the organization and its programs, contact Share America, P.O. Box 42, Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755 or visit www.shareamericafoundation.org.
From www.chattanoogan.com
to give $17.5K scholarships for 53rd year
Jun 18th
Kentucky postmasters will gather and give scholarships for the 53rd year at The Kentucky Chapter of the National Association of Postmasters’ annual state convention at the Hilton Cincinnati Airport Hotel in Florence June 20-23.
Active postmasters and retired postmasters come from all over the state to learn, network and have fun. No Postal Service funds support this convention. All funds come from registration fees and membership dues. Active postmasters spend vacation days to attend this conference. The highlight of the convention is the Scholarship Banquet.
The banquet will be held on Saturday evening, June 22, at 6:30 pm. This year we will be presenting 14 scholarships totaling $17,500. Applications must be postmarked by March 31st each year. The scholarship board meets the last Saturday in April to review the applications and make their selections.
The John D Miller Education Foundation Scholarship program began in 1961, the brainchild of three Kentucky postmasters who wanted to further the educational endeavors of their fellow postmasters. The funds for these scholarships have been raised by Kentucky postmasters over the past 53 years through an endowment fund, a golf tournament, various raffles and memorial donations. The number of scholarships given each year depends on the funds raised during the previous year.
No other state has a scholarship program that comes close to what Kentucky Postmasters have to offer the children, grandchildren and wards of active members of the Kentucky Chapter of NAPUS.
This year’s award winners are:
Lyvia Haley – daughter of Jennifer Haley, Postmaster of Verona;
Brandon Jump – grandson of Bob Morehead, retired Postmaster of Hebron;
Morgan Lewis – son of Donna Lewis, retired Postmaster of Cynthiana;
Alyssa Hare – daughter of Jimmy Hare, Postmaster of Russell Springs;
Logan Donnelly – son of John Donnelly, Postmaster of Eminence;
Kasey Byrd – daughter of Barbara Razor, Postmaster of Owingsville;
Hayley Boone – granddaughter of Totsie Boone, retired Postmaster of New Haven;
Olivia Slusher – granddaughter of Mary Ann Niday, retired Postmaster of Wallins Creek;
Alexis Butler – granddaughter of Paul Edd Butler, retired Postmaster of Harned;
Cory Simmons – son of Mike Simmons, Postmaster of Lewisburg;
Hope Ferrell – daughter of Jennifer Carroll, Postmaster of Mayfield;
Meredith Murrell – daughter of Randal Murrell, Postmaster of Columbia; and
Emily Ebelhar – daughter of Mark Ebelhar, retired Postmaster of Princeton.
From NAPUS Ky. Chapter
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From www.kyforward.com
Northlake Chamber awards two $500 scholarships
Jun 18th
Andrew Skylakos, a recent West Leyden High School graduate, reeived a $500 scholarship from the Northlake Chamber of Commerce. | Mark Lawton~Sun-Times Media
NORTHLAKE — The Northlake Chamber of Commerce has awarded college scholarships to two West Leyden graduates who have known each other since elementary school.
Andrew Skylakos and Robert Thomas were each issued checks for $500 at a chamber meeting the evening of June 11 at Sorrento’s restaurant, 2318 Mannheim Rd.
“We’ve been close friends,” Skylakos said. “At the end of (high) school we were taking advanced placements classes. There was barely any difference in our schedules.”
“This year we had literally every class together,” Thomas said.
The two attended Roy Elementary and Mannheim Middle schools together before starting at West Leyden High School.
Skylakos said he became serious about school in his junior year, when he looked beyond it.
“Junior year, I had more information about colleges and what they expect,” Skylakos said.
He took played football, ran track, and joined several organizations — the engineering club, National Honor Society and the history honor society. He graduated close to the top of his class.
In the fall, he heads to Bradley University in Peoria, where he plans to study engineering. Besides the Northlake Chamber scholarship, he’s gained scholarships form Roy School achievement and West Leyden Parents Club.
Robert Thomas also graduated near the top of his class. He served as captain of the swim team and president of the National Honor Society chapter. He also was a member of Future Business Leaders of America and mentored freshmen.
He has a full scholarship the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; but that full scholarship still doesn’t cover uniforms, so the $500 will definitely come in handy.
This summer, “I’m trying to relax a lot and read and watch TV,” Thomas said. He also goes to practice with the Leyden swim team in hopes of testing out of swimming during his plebe (first) year at the Naval Academy.
The Northlake Chamber chose Skylakos and Thomas based on their grades and essays.
The topic of the essay, said chamber member Sue Milbratz, was: “What is their five-year plan and how will it benefit society.”
From franklinpark.suntimes.com
NH court: no scholarships for religious schools
Jun 18th
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A judge on Monday declared New Hampshire’s new scholarship program unconstitutional but allowed it to continue as long as none of the money goes to religious schools.
Under the program created last summer, businesses get tax credits for donating to a private organization that awards scholarships to students attending either private or public schools. The program’s supporters argue it would provide educational choice to low-income parents, while opponents have cast it as a back-door voucher system that diverts taxpayer money to religious schools.
The program was enacted by Republican lawmakers who overrode a veto by then-Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat. It survived a repeal attempt earlier this year, but was significantly altered by Monday’s court ruling.
In his ruling, Strafford County Superior Court Judge John Lewis sided with the New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for Separation of Church and State, which challenged the program on behalf of a group of taxpayers.
“New Hampshire students, and their parents, certainly have the right to choose a religious education. However the government is under no obligation to fund ‘religious’ education,” Lewis wrote. “Indeed, the government is expressly forbidden from doing so by the very language of the New Hampshire Constitution.”
The state and organization administering the program argued that the money should not be considered “public funds” because it stems from private donations and then passes through the hands of the scholarship organizations. But the judge rejected that argument, saying that the program diverts money that would otherwise be flowing to the government.
“We’re not surprised at the outcome because the law is so clear that taxpayer money cannot be used for religious education,” said attorney Barbara Keshen of the New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union. “On some level, it’s unfortunate that the state was put the expense of defending this law, which was obviously unconstitutional.”
Kate Baker, executive director of the Network for Educational Opportunity, said her group would appeal Monday’s ruling to the state Supreme Court.
“It’s disappointing, because clearly it limits the choices parents can make, and my entire purpose has been to create options for families,” she said. “This says to them, they can’t make a choice. Parents know best, right? They should be able to choose the education they think is best for their children. This ruling is almost discrimination.”
Baker said businesses have committed to $250,000 in donations, and more than 1,000 families have applied for scholarships. The plan is to award them by the end of July, but depending on what happens in court, recipients may not have all the options they envisioned.
“The intent of the law was to empower parents, and create choices so they can choose the best option — home schooling, or a public school, or any private school. That makes sense, because then you’re opening all those doors,” she said. “This is closing one of those doors.”
From www.businessweek.com
Live webchat: How to fund your postgrad
Jun 18th
If you want to study a postgraduate degree, you’ll need to search hard for funding. While government loans are available to almost all people who hope to study at undergraduate level, the same financial support is not given to those who want to continue their studies after graduation.
There is some financial support out there – charities, scholarships, Research Councils, institutional fee waivers and employer sponsorships can help students pay their way through a postgrad. But securing help from these sources isn’t easy, as data collected by the 1994 Group, a university mission group, shows: it found that more than 60% of postgraduate students were self-funding their studies during the academic year 2011-12.
If you’re interested in studying at postgraduate level and want advice on the support that’s out there, join our live Q&A on student finance, held in association with the University of Hertfordshire. We have a panel of student money advisers, university representatives, current students and recent graduates lined up between 1-3pm to share advice on financing a postgraduate degree.
You can join in the discussion by posting in the comment thread below and joining us between 1-3pm.
The panel
Dr Robert Kaye is director of research at the 1994 group, a mission group which represents 11 research-intensive universities
Deborah McClean is head of operations in the research and innovation services department at the University of Sheffield. She is an expert in postgraduate research student scholarship funding
Clementine Wade is a creator of large-scale live, theatrical events. She has tutored pupils all around the world and is particularly interested in the educating power of interactive entertainment. She raised £16,000, enough to fund her postgraduate degree in drama, by writing to benefactors across the country
Craig Johnson is studying a research master’s in politics at Newcastle University. He is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Peter Thain is a graduate sports therapist from the University of Hertfordshire, who is currently in the final month of writing up his PhD thesis in the field of clinical biomechanics. He is self-funded but works as a laboratory demonstrator and lecturer at his university.
Andrea Simpson is a student money adviser at Leeds Metropolitan University. She offers students guidance on budgeting, debt, benefits and more. She is also a member of the National Association of Student Money Advisers
John Tate is a student money adviser at Leeds Metropolitan University. She offers students guidance on budgeting, debt, benefits and more. He is also a member of the National Association of Student Money Advisers
Craig Austin is a student financial support advisor at the University of Central Lancashire
From www.guardian.co.uk
McDonald schools add requirements for valedictorian
Jun 18th
McDonald schools add requirements for valedictorian
McDONALD
The board of education Monday approved changes to the high school student handbook, adding in the ACT or SAT scores for a student to be named a valedictorian.
Gary Carkido, high school principal, explained that a committee of teachers and students discussed adding in the college admission test scores and agreed these are a good component to add to requirements for valedictorian.
The criteria, which will go into effect for the graduating class of 2015, will require a minimum composite score of 26 on the ACT, or 1,190 on the SAT.
If no one achieves the score, the decision for valedictorian will be based on the best score.
The current criteria require that a valedictorian have a 4.0 grade point average, or the highest GPA in the senior class, and that a student take four units of English, five units of math, four units of science and four units of social Studies.
Carkido noted one reason the new requirement is being added is to help students obtain more scholarships. He noted that Ohio State University now requires a 28 (or 27 to 31) ACT score for admission, Youngstown State University requires a 27, 25, 26 or 27 for different level scholarships; Ohio University requires a 21 through 26; Kent requires a 20 to 25; and Bowling Green requires a 19 to 24.
“We want to push our students to focus more on those scores and get more college scholarships.”
The board accepted its first donation for the swimming pool fund of $1,000 from Mike Casale, a 1947 McDonald graduate. The board had set up the fund in the general fund, but this will be the first money to go into it.
The board has listed re-opening the high school indoor pool as a priority if it is financially feasible. The pool was shut down while the district was in state fiscal emergency three years ago.
From www.vindy.com
River Bandits Announce Scholarship Winners
Jun 17th
By: Jay Kidwell
sports@cbs4qc.com
The Quad Cities River Bandits awarded the two annual scholarships of the Bandit Scholars Program at the game Sunday at Modern Woodmen Park. During the fourth inning, team owner Dave Heller and Jennifer Lucier announced Holly Hoelting as the winner of the Bandit Scholarship and Elizabeth Baer as the winner of the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship.
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Hoelting, a Bettendorf native and Pleasant Valley High School graduate entering Western Illinois University, is the first-ever winner of the annual Bandit Scholarship, which was added to the Bandit Scholars Program a year ago. Baer, a Bettendorf native and Bettendorf High School graduate entering the University of Iowa, won the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship, given annually since the River Bandits introduced the Bandit Scholars Program in 2009. Each scholarship pays for the entire first year of tuition for the annual recipient.
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“Giving out these scholarships is the most enjoyable thing I do as owner of the River Bandits, and I am so proud, on behalf of the organization and the Quad Cities community, to present these scholarships to Holly and Elizabeth,” said team owner Dave Heller. “Each of these young women have demonstrated incredible talent, hard work, dedication and a passion for community service, and I am confident they will be outstanding representatives of the Bandit Scholars Program and the Quad Cities in their immensely promising futures.”
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River Bandits owners Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt founded the Bandit Scholars Program in 2009, beginning with the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship and expanding with the Bandit Scholarship last year. Awarded annually to a Quad Cities area high school senior, each scholarship includes a summer internship with the River Bandits following the winner’s first year of college.
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The Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship pays for the entire first year of tuition at the University of Iowa for the annual recipient and is named in honor of the late Keith Lucier. Lucier was a graduate of Bettendorf High School and the University of Iowa. He was River Bandits Assistant General Manager in 2008 and a former employee of the Quad-City Times. Lucier passed away in 2009, and the scholarship has been awarded annually to one Quad Cities area high school senior since its inception. The Bandit Scholarship pays the entire first year of tuition for one student each year at either Western Illinois University or Black Hawk College.
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“I am incredibly excited and grateful to receive the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship,” Baer said. “This is an exhilirating moment and a reminder of the importance of paying it forward and being caring and giving throughout my future.”
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Baer hopes to pursue a communications degree with emphasis on public advocacy. In high school, she has been involved in National Student Council of Excellence, National Honor Society, Raising Student Voice and Participation, FBLA, Best Buddies, SAIL Program, Teens for Tomorrow Philanthropy Group, volleyball, and several volunteer activities.
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“It is humbling and eye-opening for me to receive the Bandit Scholarship,” Hoelting said. “This scholarship award and internship through the Bandit Scholars Program is a great opportunity to continue giving and helping others as I begin my college career.”
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Hoelting hopes to pursue a degree in physical therapy. She has worked in the Red Apple Child Care Center, Athletic Booster Club Ad Sales, the Pleasant Valley School District and Pleasant Valley Softball Camp, where she teaches the sport to young children. A five-sport athlete in high school, Hoelting will play softball for Western Illinois University.
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Both scholarships are funded by fan donations and fund-raising efforts by the River Bandits and the team’s ownership. Fundraising events include the annual Frost Fest, Bandits Race to Home 5K and Bandit Scholars Tournament. Fans can send donations for the scholarship fund to Modern Woodmen Park. One hundred percent of every donation goes to fund the scholarships.
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UP NEXT: When the Chicago Cubs affiliate, the Kane County Cougars, visits Modern Woodmen Park on Thursday, the River Bandits will host another Mega Cubs Fantacular Giveaway, Ladies’ Night and a Thirst-Day Thursday presented by Rock 104-9, the Quad Cities’ CW and the River Cities’ Reader. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com . Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper,and a number of new bounce houses.. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see last year’s No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa, as well as first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. The Astros also just made the very first selection in the major league draft earlier this month and could have top pick Mark Appel play in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!
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Marco LaNave
Quad Cities River Bandits
Director of Media Relations
From www.whbf.com
