Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce officials are in the final stages of planning this year’s Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament, which will take place on Tuesday, May 17 at the Tanglewood Golf Club in Quarryville. 2016 marks the 20th year for the event, which has become something of a local tradition. The fundraiser allows the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce to offer scholarships to several students from Oxford Area High School each year.

“All the money that we raise from the golf tournament goes to the scholarships,” explained Dr. Douglas Fasick, a chamber board member who serves as the chairperson of the golf outing.

Oxford Area High School students who plan to attend a university or trade school in Pennsylvania, or who will continue their education at a local school like Cecil College, are eligible to apply for the scholarships.

While a student’s grades are one consideration that will factor into who receives scholarships, it is not the only criteria. Fasick explained that they also look at the volunteer activities that the students have been involved in, as well as other considerations, when they are deciding who will be the recipients.

“We look at students who are volunteering their time to make the community a better place,” Fasick explained.

Angie Thompson-Lobb, the chairperson of the scholarship committee, said that they try to fill a niche, providing scholarships to students who might not qualify for larger scholarship opportunities.

“We’re supporting our local students,” Lobb explained. “We’re looking to help students who might not be going to big schools.”

By helping those students who might not qualify for some of the larger scholarships, the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce is providing financial support to students who might need it the most.

“We’ve helped some of the kids who maybe couldn’t have gone to college without the scholarships,” Fasick explained.

And, Unlike some of the other scholarships that are available to students, the scholarships that the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce offers are for four years of a student’s collegiate career. Last year, each of the recipients received a $750 scholarship, and they will continue to receive that amount for four years.

Fasick said that the golf tournament is always fun for the participants, who enjoy a boxed lunch and a nice afternoon of golf. It’s also good that the Oxford community works together to help local students.

“It wouldn’t be as successful without everyone helping out,” Fasick explained.

Fasick said that they hope to have at least 100 golfers on the day of the event. The registration begins on that day at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start an hour later. The event includes a golf ball drop and a silent auction, and participants also enjoy a nice dinner and door prizes that are awarded. The highlight of the event will be the announcement of this year’s scholarship recipients. Past recipients also turn out for the golf tournament.

For more information about the golf tournament or to register for the event, call the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce at 610-932-0740 or email [email protected].