Forks Washington on the Olympic Peninsula

Things are really heating up here in Forks with the 2010 Quillayute Valley Scholarship Auction starting today and continuing tomorrow.  It's all happening at the Bank of America building in Forks--don't miss the action!

The positive and generous spirit of this event is demonstrated by folks like Lori Norvell-Troutman of Plano, Texas.  Although she has no direct connection to Forks, she's pitching in anyway--donating three valuable autographed baseballs, signed by Nolan Ryan, Pete Rose and Yogi Berra.  Wow! Thanks Lori!!

Check out Paige Dickerson's article in the Peninsula Daily News highlighting this donation and providing further information about the auction.

And if you just can't wait to start finding things to bid on, you should see O.C.C.'s contributions to this year's auction from the craftsmen at their Toy Shop.  Or click here to (hopefully . . .) view auction items online as they come up for bid.

UPDATE: $69,000 RAISED THIS YEAR--THANKS!!

Have you ever heard of a community that rallies each year to provide a scholarship for every graduating senior who applies for one?

It happens right here in Forks and LaPush with the Quillayute Valley Scholarship Auction--and over a million dollars have been raised so far!  The idea is to help jump-start students' careers with some cash to offset college or vocational/technical school expenses.  This year's event happens March 20-21 (coinciding with the New Moon DVD release festivities that weekend), so make plans to be there!  Everyone is welcome at this fun event.

March 11, 2010, Update - Oh my! The O.C.C. Toy Shop crew has been busy this year!  Check out their generous contributions to this year's auction and get your "favorites" list going before your chance to bid begins March 20th.

This year’s Quillayute Valley Scholarship Auction is right around the corner–March 21st-22nd. For those unfamiliar with the auction, it’s really quite amazing–this tiny community pulls together every year to raise sufficient funds to provide a scholarship for every graduate of Forks High School or Quileute Tribal School who applies for one!! And this has been going on now for 45 years, with over a million dollars awarded in scholarships so far, beginning in 1964 with Forks favorite dentist (and Chamber board member/community leader), Dr. Bob Henry, receiving the very first award.

The Forks Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its annual scholarships for Forks High School or Quileute Tribal School graduates. This year, the Chamber is able to increase the amount of its award by a whopping 400%. This came about because of the Chamber Board of Directors’ community-minded decision to devote profits from the sale of Spartans gear sold at the Chamber’s Online Store and its Visitor Center Store to scholarships.
This year the Chamber will award two separate $1000 scholarships! Additional funds from the sale of Spartans products have been earmarked for future years. The application will be part of the regular procedure local seniors are familiar with. Successful applicants will show evidence of academic achievement, community involvement and an interest in business–particularly business activities based here in the West End.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the cause by buying Spartan t-shirts, hoodies and other products from the Forks Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is delighted to have funds available to assist local youth meet their goals!

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, a Washington State museum, is bringing a taste of its exhibit and educational programs to Forks this spring. In this photo, students at the Lummi Nation School look like they enjoy handling real fossils and rock specimens from the Burke’s collections during a recent “Burkemobile” visit.