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Applications open for 2013 Bandit Scholars Program

Two Quad Cities-area students will gain summer internship, first year of college tuition
January 31, 2013

The Quad Cities River Bandits are now accepting applications for the 2013 Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship and 2013 Bandit Scholarship. Through the Bandit Scholars Program, each of the two scholarships is awarded annually to one area high school senior. Each scholarship pays for the winner's entire first year of tuition and includes a summer internship with the River Bandits following the winner's first year of college.

Applications for each scholarship are available at www.riverbandits.com and will be accepted until March 29 at Modern Woodmen Park. The Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship is open to all Quad Cities-area high school seniors entering the University of Iowa. The Bandit Scholarship is open to all Quad Cities-area high school seniors entering either Black Hawk College in Moline, Ill., or Western Illinois University in Moline, Ill. The scholarship winners will be announced and honored at a 2013 River Bandits home game at Modern Woodmen Park.

"The Bandits Scholars Program recognizes and supports talented students and young leaders in the Quad Cities and has been a wonderful way for the River Bandits to give back to a community we all love," said team owner Dave Heller. "Giving out these scholarships is the single most enjoyable thing I do as owner of the River Bandits, and I can't wait to help make the dream of free college tuition become real for two more Quad Cities families!"

River Bandits owners Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt founded the Bandit Scholars Program in 2009. The Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of the late Keith Lucier, who passed away in 2009. The Bandit Scholars Program honors Lucier's strong belief in higher education and celebrates his love for sports, learning, charitable endeavors and the Quad Cities community. Lucier was a graduate of Bettendorf High School and the University of Iowa. He was River Bandits Assistant General Manager in 2008 and a former employee of the Quad-City Times. The scholarship has been awarded annually to one Quad Cities area high school senior since its inception. The Bandit Scholars Program expanded in 2012 with the addition of the Bandit Scholarship to fund higher education on the Illinois side of the river.

Both scholarships are funded by fan donations and fund-raising efforts by the River Bandits, as well as by contributions from the team's ownership. Fans can donate to the scholarship fund at Modern Woodmen Park, by mail to Quad Cities River Bandits, 209 S. Gaines St., Davenport, IA 52802, or online at www.riverbandits.com. One hundred percent of every donation goes to fund the scholarships; all administrative costs are paid for by the team's ownership.

UP NEXT: Now is the time to reserve a table at the Valentine's Day Dinner at Modern Woodmen Park. Choose any of three nights - Feb. 14, 15 or 16 - to enjoy a gourmet four-course dinner in a private luxury suite or take in the spectacular views of the ballpark, Centennial Bridge, Mississippi River and downtown Davenport from a table in the glass-enclosed, climate-controlled Sky Deck. A reservation begins at just $65 per couple. Call Andrea Nolan or Shauna Learn at 563-324-3000 or email [email protected] or [email protected]. Reservations must be made by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits are currently planning one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since Main Street Baseball first bought the team. A new affiliate, the chance to see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa, and a stunning new improvement will make this season one every fan will not want to miss!