If your duck crosses the finish line first at the 15th annual Ducks on the Tuck, which is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, at Riverfront Park in Bryson City, you’ll win a 50-inch flat screen television.

But even if you don’t win the TV or other prizes that are up for grabs, you’ll be helping change someone’s life because all proceeds benefit the New Century Scholars. Since 1995, this program has been providing last-dollar tuition assistance and extra support such as dedicated advising to help deserving students in Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties attend Southwestern Community College.

So far, more than 2,150 students have been served by the program.

“New Century Scholars is awesome,” said Susan Cutshaw, whose son Craig Cutshaw is a New Century Scholar and a sophomore at Swain High. “It benefits a lot of children who might not get the opportunity to go to college. It is a huge financial help for us. This scholarship will allow Craig to have a chance to pursue his dreams for the future and make a good living.  

Ducks can be adopted for $5 apiece at Southwestern Community College from Kathy Posey (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.339.4227) or from any New Century Scholar. Program coordinators at high schools in each county are also selling tickets.

Besides the TV, other prizes on the line include Dollywood tickets, zipline tickets from Wildwater, Nantahala rafting passes from Endless River Adventures; Ocoee rafting passes from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, season pool passes to the Swain Recreation pool and much more.

For more information about Ducks on the Tuck or New Century Scholars, contact Pamela Judson at 828.339.4477 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..