By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Heading into its 17^th year of existence, the Buck Creek Festival in Helena has been able to give back more than $271,000 to the community for a variety of projects, including scholarships to a deserving Helena High School senior or seniors.

As the festival has grown, more funds have been available to distribute and since the opening of Helena High School in 2014, the committee has presented several scholarships to exemplary HHS seniors.

In 2018, the Buck Creek Festival committee will once again award scholarships as applications are now available for those wishing to apply.

Scholarship applications are due Sunday, April 1 and applicants must have the following criteria to apply:

–Be a graduating high school senior

–Must be a resident of the city of Helena

–Submit a completed application

–Submit two letters of recommendation, one from a representative of your school and one from a member of the community

–Submit a typed essay no more than one page in length describing what the scholarship would mean to you

The scholarship winner or winners are typically honored at a Helena City Council meeting later in the year.

The Buck Creek Festival Scholarship applicant should mail the completed application and all supporting information to The Buck Creek Festival Scholarship Fund, PO Box 23, Helena, AL 35080. To download a scholarship application, visit Buckcreekfestival.com/festival-information/.

The 2018 Buck Creek Festival is set for Friday, May 11 from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.