Ribfest held at the Clarion Hotel in New Kensington

Hightower Scholars Inc. is hosting a Ribfest on Friday, November 29, noon-6:00 p.m., at the Clarion Hotel in New Kensington. The Ribfest features slabs of ribs ($20) and rib sandwiches ($7) and it is part the United Sisters Always' third annual Jewelry Crafts and More Show. Proceeds from the Ribfest will benefit the Hightower Early Success Scholarship (HESS) program.

The HESS program was launched in December 2001 as a project geared to early intervention of higher education at the middle school level. It combines research, communication skills, time management, creativity, academic enrichment, and the college search into one process. The financial award, invested and earning interest, will assist an African-American, Latino, or Native American middle school student with paying educational expenses at a college or university once they graduate from high school.

Hightower Scholars is a non-profit organization that assists students with their preparation for a post-secondary education at a four-year college or university. Three years ago, in memory of Clarence Graham and James Hightower Sr., the corporation established the Clarence James Memorial Scholarship. The patriarchs, the late grandfathers of the founding members of Hightower Scholars, were strong supporters of education and advocates of community development and community service. The scholarship provides financial assistance to a first-year African American, Hispanic, or Native American college student.

For more information on Hightower scholarships, Write: Hightower Scholars Inc, 2614 Anne Street, Lower Burrell, PA 15068. or call 724-335-4027. You can also visit their website at http://www.hscholars.org