The Northport Women's Club donated $500 to The Northport Promise scholarship program Tuesday afternoon.

RUTH WALKER STEELE (left) accepts a
donation from Northport Women's Club
president Annette Husted. The club
donated $500 to the Northport Promise
scholarship program. Steele is a member
of the Promise's steering committee.

The scholarship program for students who graduate from Northport Public School granted its first awards last week, giving five graduating seniors $2,000 for their post-high school education plans. Two other seniors received lesser amounts. The Northport Promise is based on the Kalamazoo Promise program started in 2004. For every student who attends and graduates from Kalamazoo Public Schools from grades kindergarten through 12, he or she receives a scholarship that pays for books and tuition to any four-year state college or university.

Organizers of the Northport Promise have similar lofty goals, though it remains far short of the $6 million estimated to fully fund the scholarship program. Handing out some scholarship funds this year was in the overall plan to help bolster donations for the Northport Promise, and women’s club members said they were glad to help.

“Improving educational opportunities has been one of the guiding principles of the Northport Women’s Club since its founding in 1895,” said club president Annette Husted in a press release. “We’re pleased to support the Northport Promise effort to assure that all Northport graduates have funds available to them to help with their plans for a college education.”

Supporters will host the second annual Promise Pledge Picnic fundraiser on July 5 at Marina Park in Northport. The event features a silent auction and a picnic. Those who would like to contribute items for auction or make cash donations may contact Beth Dickinson at riaserve@hughes.net or call (231) 883-6139.

The Northport Women’s Club will hold its sixth annual Home Tour on July 16. Entitled The Magic of Leelanau Tour, it will feature five unique homes from the Northport area. Contact Husted at (231) 386-9116 for more information.