NEW ALBANY —
After watching the first three contestants win the minimum of $450, it was Damon Nelson’s turn to try his luck at answering trivia questions.
Nelson breezed through the first five questions and was faced with a decision — to try and answer the $1,200 question or walk away with $1,050. He decided to take a chance.
The chance paid off quite nicely.
The question: “What was Beethoven’s first name?” He had four choices, and chose Ludwig. It was the right answer giving Nelson $1,200, an amount he walked away with Monday night.
“It was a little nerve wracking,” Nelson said.
Nelson was one of 300 Floyd County high school seniors to register for Harvest Homecoming’s 11th annual “Who Wants to be a College Student” event held each year in the New Albany High School Auditorium. The event is based on the popular television show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.”
High School seniors fill out an entry form through their respective schools and names are randomly drawn. If a student’s name is drawn during the game, and that student is present, he or she walks on stage and answers questions which were given by Jane Alcorn, a Harvest Homecoming vice president who has been involved with the event since its inception.
Monday night, Harvest Homecoming handed out $10,000. If a student answered 12 questions correctly, it would be worth $1,800. But just by being present and having their name called, students automatically walked away with $450 to be used toward college tuition. Several students whose names were called were not present and missed a chance at easy tuition money according to Nelson, a New Albany High School senior.
“It was a big mistake not to be here,” he said.
New Albany senior Chloe Kellams was the night’s first contestant and won $450. She said she enjoyed the experience.
“I think it’s a really good way to win scholarship money,” she said.
Kevin Hammersmith, who was president of Harvest Homecoming in 2001, came up with the idea and said its success “has been awesome.” In 11 years, Harvest Homecoming has given out more than $100,000 in college scholarships.
“It’s not only for Harvest Homecoming, but it’s for the students of Floyd County,” said Hammersmith prior to Monday’s event. “The show was popular back then and I knew Jane loved trivia so we came up with the idea.”
The money is raised from festival sponsors. Alcorn said giving back to the community has always been a big part of Harvest Homecoming.
Larry Fischer, Harvest Homecoming’s chairman of the board, said the event is a great way to help the students of Floyd County.
“It’s a meaningful contribution to our community’s future,” he said.
Local Contests
Related Photos
-
New Albany senior Chloe Kellams reacts to missing a question worth $750 playing Harvest Homecoming Who Wants to be a College Student? Monday night. Kellams walked away with $450 in scholarship money. Staff photo by C.E. Branham
-
New Albany High School senior Damon Nelson acknowledges the crowd on his way to winning $1,200 in scholarship money playing Harvest Homecoming Who Want's to be a College Student? Staff photo by C.E. Branham
Discussion
And the answer is ...
Harvest Homecoming event hands out $10,000 to high school seniors
- Local Contests
-
-
Miss Clark County 2012 entrants sought
The contest is based on interview, evening gown and professional wear competition. Any Clark County young woman between the ages of 16 to 21 is eligible to participate.
-
Jeffersonville mayor for a Day essay winners named
The students will start off the morning by attending the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, as well as the mayor’s weekly department head meeting. Moore believes that both meetings will give them some insight into the inner workings of city government and a better understanding of how each department works to meet the needs of the community.
-
Competition heats up
-
Tri-at-the-Y Sunday in New Albany
“It’s challenging to see what your body can do. And the one at the Y is a good start to the triathlon season,” he said. “It’s small. It’s short. It’s fast and it’s a good family atmosphere.”
-
Lady A holds concert poster contest
The winning poster design will be printed as a T-shirt for sale on the band’s website, with proceeds going toward rebuilding Henryville.
-
Fit to help
-
Swinging with purpose
-
Passing prospects
-
Science showdown: Highland Hills wins regional Science Olympiad
-
Greater Clark begins Fitness Calendar Challenge
Teresa Stengel, health services coordinator, said if other family members get involved with students, children might be more likely to continue with exercise routines and watching their diets.
- More Local Contests Headlines
-
Miss Clark County 2012 entrants sought
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
