PADUCAH, KY (09/25/2018) West Kentucky Community and Technical College's (WKCTC) 2018 West is Best Barbecue and Scholarship Auction at the Julian Carroll Convention Center September 20 raised more than $64,000 for student scholarships, bringing the total raised since January for the College's merit and endowed scholarships to $138,000.
Paducah Junior College (PJC), the foundation supporting WKCTC, hosts the scholarship auction each year with a dinner featuring a live and silent auction that raises money to help deserving students from throughout the region pursue a college education. WKCTC Vice President for Advancement and PJC Executive Director Lee Emmons said the turnout for the event was wonderful and other scholarship donations continue to come in to her office.
"Through the West is Best event, we were able to nearly double in one evening the amount raised thus far in 2018 for general and donor-endowed scholarships," Emmons said. "We're so very grateful to the event sponsors, donors, and participants who made this possible, along with all the donors who contributed prior to the event and those who continue to give so that area students can pursue their education right here at WKCTC."
For the second consecutive year, the scholarship auction featured the West is Best theme, emphasizing the college's focus on regionalism and highlighting regional favorites, including West Kentucky barbecue. Each of the counties in WKCTC's 10-county service region in Kentucky and its five county partners in southern Illinois were highlighted at the event.
WKCTC President Anton Reece thanked the West is Best donors for their support and emphasized the importance of their contributions to the success of WKCTC students.
"You are making a difference in the lives of our students with your continued support of this auction," said Reece as he addressed the crowd. "Thanks to you, we are able to continue to help students afford a college education; you help ensure better lives for a better Kentucky."
Anyone interested in more information about contributing to scholarships for WKCTC students can contact Emmons at 270-534-3084 or lee.emmons@kctcs.edu.