Ellington

The Rossville High School Alumni Association is hosting its fourth annual golf tournament June 7, with all proceeds raised to fund future scholarships and assist the community in furthering education.

Due to success at last year’s golf tournament the organization was able to increase its scholarship funding by an additional $500 this year. Two Ridgeland high school seniors, Sarah Hurst and Johnathan Greene, were recently awarded a $1,500 scholarship to aid with college expenses.

The organization has given out scholarships to one male and female for 17 years. This year members decided to rename the scholarship “Be Rossville” in honor of an individual who has given outstanding service to the schools. This year’s first honoree was Barbara Moore, who has serviced the Rossville/Ridgeland school systems for 62 years.

The annual golf tournament is what makes all of that possible.

“We’re 100 percent nonprofit, all the money goes back to the community,” said Buddy Mann, RHSAA golf tournament director. “We can increase scholarship funds entirely based on the success of this project.”

Last year RHSAA raised $7,000 and is working diligently to reach $10,000 at this year’s golf tournament, he said.

“We keep in mind that it’s a small community golf tournament,” said Mann. “But we’ve got a bunch of giving people bending over backwards for what we believe in.”

With proceeds from last year’s golf tournament RHSAA was able to purchase a mascot for Rossville Middle school, donated $500 to both Rossville and Stone Creek elementaries to assist in purchasing supplies that normally fall on the shoulders of teachers, and helped 17 local families who would not have had a Christmas.

So far there are 30 teams signed up to play this year. Tournament participants will be surrounded by celebrities such as Bobby Scott, a former football player for the New Orleans Saints, local politicians and government officials and many more from all over the country, Mann said. Cost per player is $100 and includes a catered barbecue lunch.

Those interested in a game of golf and giving back to the community should contact Buddy Mann at 423-304-8842 or fltbubba@aol.com, Tim Ellis at 423-653-7848 or go to rossvillealumni.com.

Games start at 8:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. and will be held at the Battlefield Golf & Country Club, on Reeds Bridge Road in Fort Oglethorpe.

Cost to join the Rossville High School Alumni Association is $10 per year.