Contact:  Jeri Bledsoe
October 12, 2006

MECC Foundation holds special event to benefit AIMS Higher Scholarship for Dickenson County students

The Mountain Empire Community College Foundation is conducting a special event on Tuesday, November 14 at the Jettie Baker Center to raise funds for an endowed AIMS Higher Scholarship for Dickenson County students. The event will feature a reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., followed by a musical concert by The Larkins at 7:30 p.m.

The Larkins, Shaunna and Tina, are sisters – first by birth, and secondly by the natural connective cord of their shared heritage and all-consuming love of making music. They have shared stages with some of the biggest names in country music over the last several years. They debuted on the stage of the “Grand Ole Opry” on July 7, 2001 – coming back for an encore performance when their scheduled allowed a few months later and again in September 2003.

The Larkins’ first single under their new deal with Audium Records, “Steady As The Rain,” was written by East Tennessee’s most famous voice herself – Dolly Parton. Dolly also sings harmony vocals and appears in the video.

Their bloodline makes them third generation musical artisans – reared in a family steeped in the finest traditions of mountain music. While Shaunna and Tina were still new to the world, their guitarist dad, Lowell, had already continued the cherished family tradition by forming a traveling bluegrass group and touring with his brothers. He was encouraged when his young daughters began singing onstage with the family band at ages 3 and 4 – elated when at age five Shaunna picked up the fiddle, and recalls thinking he was bound for bluegrass heaven when four year old Tina chose the mandolin over dolls. With childhood behind them and a rich heritage of music ingrained within them, Shaunna and Tina have grown into beautiful young women—fresh faced and filled with the energy to help launch their blueprint for a new day in country music.

The AIMS Higher Scholarship encourages students to complete a challenging curriculum and to attend MECC for up to 72 credit hours, with no cost for tuition and fees. The scholarship pays these costs.

In order to receive an AIMS Higher Scholarship, a student during grades 8 through 12 must achieve a grade of C or better in 17 AIMS courses, maintain a 95 percent attendance rate with no out-of-school suspensions, and complete 20 hours of community service. Students must attend MECC full-time, taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. The students have three years to complete a degree or certificate program.

Tickets, which are $30, may be purchased by calling Jeri Bledsoe in the MECC Foundation office at 276-523-2400, extension 287. Please write Dickenson County AIMS Higher Scholarship in the notes section of your check, make the check payable to MECC Foundation, and mail to MECC Foundation, 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.

The Larkins will be in concert at an MECC Foundation special event on Tuesday, November 14 at the Jettie Baker Center to raise funds for an endowed AIMS Higher Scholarship for Dickenson County students.

More Press Releases