The Tamaqua Blue Raider Foundation will continue its momentum with a variety of initiatives in support of the Tamaqua Area School District and its students.

At the upcoming third annual meeting of the independent support group, set to take place on Saturday, February 18, the group will award teacher grants and make an announcement relative to the Joseph M. Plasko Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Fund.The creation of the scholarship was announced in June. The award will recognize the legacy of Plasko, a Pencor employee who supported education, arts and athletics in the Tamaqua Area School District.Plasko was serving as TIMES NEWS Tamaqua bureau chief when he passed away unexpectedly on March 22, one week after his 50th birthday.According to Walter Kruczek, foundation vice president, the group also will provide an update on the renovation project of libraries in the schools.In addition, the foundation is hoping to sponsor a dodge ball tournament in the Spring of 2012. Details will be announced in the TIMES NEWS.The Blue Raider Foundation is a 501(c) 3 corporation that supports, promotes, sponsors and carries out educational, scientific and charitable activities and objectives related to the school district.The foundation is privately established to assist the Tamaqua Area School District in funding projects that fall outside of the school district budget. Acting autonomously, the foundation enlists individuals, corporations and foundations in charitable resource raising activities to assist students to achieve their maximum potential.No tax dollars are involved with the foundation.The group is intended to supplement the district and not replace other fundraising organizations, such as athletic and band boosters. It is also not an affiliate of the school board or the district's administration but operates independently.The February annual meeting will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Restaurant at the Station.Tax deductible donations to augment the scholarship fund are welcome and can be made to: Tamaqua Blue Raider Foundation, 109 West Broad St., Tamaqua, Pa. 18252. The address is the law offices of Bowe, Lisella & Bowe. Attorney Jeffrey P. Bowe serves as foundation secretary. Robert A. Miller, III, is foundation president; Michael W. Fegley is treasurer and James R. Zigmant holds the title of member-at-large.