Hillbilly Bankqwet raises money for scholarships

nkqwet” was held at Clatskanie’s American Legion Hall (Unit 68) to help students attending Piercing Arrow Private School. “The objective was to raise money to provide a scholarship for families in the community who would normally need or want private school,” said Piercing Arrow Principal Lori Sherman. “We give out quite a few scholarships throughout the year, and we don’t always have the extra funds to give out more.”

The “Hillbilly Bankqwet” had 75 in attendance as well as plenty of volunteers. With the event featuring entertainment in the form of hillbilly dancers, bluegrass music and skits, as well as a live auction, over $1,400 was raised for the students.

“This is the first time we’ve ever really asked the community for help with scholarships in a way that was fun,” said Sherman. “I did not know how far the community would take this. We had 94% (of the people) dress up as a hillbilly or an okie. It was crazy just to see people coming dressed up for the banquet, which was kind of cool. We had a photo booth and had live chickens in that photo booth.”

Along with serving as both principal and owner of Piercing Arrow, Sherman is also president of American Legion Louis Larsen Post 68. The fact that the event was put together with less than six weeks notice is a testament to how far the group has come, helping not only Piercing Arrow’s students but others around the community as well. “Years ago, it was almost a dying group of people,” said Sherman. “When I stepped in as president, we’ve able to do quite a bit. Every holiday that comes up from now until the end of the year, we are basically serving the residents at The Amber (senior living). We have veterans there, but we also have regular citizens.”

Sherman admitted she wants to hold even more “Hillbilly Bankqwets” in the future; however, the legion president is also involved with other events like nighttime lights parades, cakewalks, froggy races, and the annual Clatskanie Festival. “I just try to do as much as I can for those who are less fortunate or just those who need help.”