Tulip Time Announces First Dutch Dance Scholarship Award

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
Tamra Bouman
Tulip Time Director
616.395.8245
tamra@tuliptime.com

Tulip Time Announces First Dutch Dance Scholarship Award

HOLLAND, MI, June 21, 2007. Tulip Time is pleased to announce the first ever Dutch Dance Scholarship Award. Thanks to funds donated specifically to the Tulip Time Dutch Dance program, from LaSalle Bank and an anonymous donor a Dutch Dance Scholarship has been created. Applications for the scholarship were provided to area high school and alumni dancers prior to the festival.

The scholarship is intended for educational expenses such as tuition, books, fees, etc. Each applicant was required to provide proof of admission or acceptance to a college or professional school. The application process also included an essay that asked the dancers, "What has it meant to you to be a Dutch Dancer?" and "Do you have a special Tulip Time Festival memory."

A total of 18 applications were received representing dancers from all area schools and alumni.

Tulip Time is delighted to announce the below recipients of the first ever Dutch Dance Scholarship. First place will be awarded $250 and the two semi-finalists will receive $125 each.

First place winner is Cheri Marie Ackerman, resident of Holland. She graduated from Holland Christian High School in May.  Cheri will be attending Calvin College. She plans to major in biology and minor in Spanish. Cheri's long-term goal is to practice medicine or to become a medical researcher.

The two semi-finalists winners are Anna (Kate) Brierty and Kristin Wiersma. Anna graduated from West Ottawa High School this year and plans to attend the University of Michigan. She plans to major in Political Science and minor in English. Her long-term goal is to practice law. Kristin graduated from Holland Christian High School and will attend Calvin College. She plans on majoring in Nursing and Spanish. Her long-term goal is to become a Nurse.

For more information on the Tulip Time Festival call 800.822.2770 or visit www.tuliptime.com. Tulip Time Festival 2008 Dates: May 3-10.