For the 20th year, area residents, businesses, colleges, and organizations are invited to participate in the Striving and Driving for GCC Scholars Golf Tournament on May 24. The Tournament is a great opportunity to have a good time playing golf while helping people attend Greenfield Community College.

Funds raised by the Tournament go toward unrestricted scholarship funds for GCC students. In the past eight years, Striving and Driving has raised $247,700 and given out 641 scholarships to GCC students. Sponsored by Cohn & Company and the Greenfield Savings Bank and co-chaired by Terry Boyce and Princy Stotz, the Tournament will be held at the Country Club of Greenfield and will include lunch, a barbecue dinner, and prizes and awards. The field is limited to the first 144 players who register. Players may either register as individuals to be placed in a foursome by the Tournament organizers, or as teams of four. Businesses, colleges, and organizations are encouraged to sponsor teams to compete for the Corporate Cup, the College Cup and the Service Cup. The cost is $110 per player. For information about sponsorship opportunities, see https://www.gcc.mass.edu/foundation/golf.aspx.

Tournament Co-Chair Terry Boyce lives in Bernardston and teaches psychology at GCC. Commenting on her motivation for volunteering as Tournament Co-Chair, she said, "Striving and Driving combines the fun of playing golf with folks in the community and raising funds for scholarships for students in high need. I know that many GCC students depend on scholarship assistance to be able to attend college, just like I did when I studied at Herkimer County Community College in New York state. I'm a first-generation college graduate and scholarships made it possible for me to go to college. I'm glad that I can help others have the opportunity that I did."

Sarah Walker echoes Boyce's comment. A 29-year-old single mother who lives in Greenfield, Walker is working toward her associates in education at GCC. She has been accepted to Smith College as an Ada Comstock Scholar and will begin there in the fall. Her long-term goal is to work as a school-based psychologist. Walker said, "I lost my job last June and decided to take a year off of working to attend school full-time. I have received several scholarships from GCC and I would not be where I am now without that scholarship help. I believe that in these tough economic times it is important to reinforce our sense of community. Fundraising is an opportunity to come together as community to support important parts of our community, like GCC. I appreciate all of the people who participate in fundraising activities for GCC."

To register for the Striving and Driving Golf Tournament, make check payable and mail to: GCC Foundation, 270 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 or register online at https://www.gcc.mass.edu/foundation/golf.aspx.

Contributions to the GCC Scholarship Fund keeps the college accessible and affordable to all who want to attend and gives hope to our students.