HELENA, Mont. – Carroll College has teamed with the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, in conjunction with Montana Rail Link to provide $10,000 in scholarships that will be awarded to students in attendance at all regular season men's and women's home basketball games in the 2015-16 season.
 
For the remaining 20 men's and women's games, a student in attendance will receive a $500 cash grant scholarship that will be applied to the current semester's balance. If the student has no balance on their account, funds will be credited to the following semester.
 
The scholarship can be won by any student not on the official book for the game, that means students at the game in an official capacity such as cheerleaders, pep band members, student-staff and student-athletes that aren't dressed for the game are eligible to win. A student can win only one scholarship in the academic year.
 
The winner will be selected from a drawing that takes place in the third quarter break for the women's games and during the second media timeout of the second half for the men's game.
 
The scholarship was awarded from the generous support of Montana Rail Link, whose president Tom Walsh is a Carroll alum and a Helena native.
 
 "The railroad and Carroll College both have a long and rich history in the Helena valley," Jim Lewis, Chief Information Officer for Montana Rail Link said. "The railroad has served the community since 1883, delivering the people and supplies that built this great city.  Carroll College opened its doors in 1910, with many of their early students traveling to Helena by train to attend the college on the hilltop.  In addition, we have many employees who attended Carroll College throughout the years.  These dedicated employees help run of the safest and most productive railroads in North America.  This scholarship program is a great opportunity to support the community, Helena students and Saints athletics.  Let's fill the stand and support our hometown Carroll College Saints."
 
The contribution will directly benefit Carroll students and has created a buzz on campus for the exciting Carroll basketball season. The two Carroll teams are off to great starts with the women earning a 10-0 non-conference record and the men off to a 4-2 start. Carroll begins conference play Thursday against Montana Tech.
 
"Montana Rail Link's contribution is not only generous but well intentioned," interim athletic director Kyle Baker said. "This contribution will not only have an impact on our campus, but it will give 20 students an economic boost and give Carroll Athletics an incredible tool to help increase student attendance at our basketball games. Tom Walsh's leadership in this gift shows his character as a leader in Montana, among Carroll alumni, and as the chair of the MIND, BODY, SPIRIT Campaign."
 
The Carroll women take on Montana Tech at the PE Center at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with the men following at 7:30 p.m.