Trivia Night To Raise Scholarship Funds

A takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at in Deerfield.

The event is sponsored by the USS Magellan, the local Star Trek Fan Club, as part of its effort to fund a $1,000 scholarship to a deserving education student at Illinois State University, according to Hilary Winiarz, a club member and event organizer.

"This scholarship and the impact we have on these future teachers means the world to us," Deerfield native Winiarz said. She is a veteran member of the Magellan. "It's the single most important thing we do each year." 
 
It takes the collaboration of everyone in the club to fund the scholarship through grass-roots efforts like this Saturday's trivia night, according to Winiarz. Last year's event raised more than $400 and the winning team was from Trinity College.

 
For Samantha Clayton, , the prize’s meaning is very special. She worked two jobs to help pay her tuition and the award has helped her pursue her goal of teaching.

"I am so grateful for the Kathy Hassig scholarship," Clayton said.  "The financial burden of school was eased, and I was able to better focus on my studies and my students. I want to give back to the community that gave me so much
 
The Magellan, which was started by Hassig 20 years ago has had a number of goals over its history. When the founder died six years ago at 51, the group concentrated its efforts honoring her. She was a teacher who graduated from Illinois State. 

"Kathy would be bowled over if she knew there was a scholarship in her name at her alma mater," Jayshree Sheth, Hassig's friend and long-time Magellan member, said. "Kathy did for others always with a smile and no complaints

The trivia contest is a general one, not Star Trek specific. The entry fee is $10 plus the purchase of any food or beverage item. The winning team will get a cash prize and several local businesses have donated items that will be raffled off at the event.

People can register on line at TriviaNightRegistration@hotmail.com or walk in.