April 25 is the deadline for principals to return scholarship applications for the Ursuline Academy Foundation Awards for the 2008-2009 academic year.

The foundation's mission is to preserve the heritage of Ursuline Academy in Springfield, which was closed in May 2007. The foundation offers financial awards up to $500 per year to qualified applicants who wish to attend a faith-based school.

Applicants must have attended Ursuline Academy at the time of its closure or will enroll in grades seven or eight at a Springfield Catholic elementary school in the upcoming academic year. They must be in good academic standing; show evidence of financial need; have a record of community service; and participate in extra-curricular activities.

The scholarship program is partially funded by the 35th annual chicken dinner sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 4175 with the Ursuline Academy Foundation. Tickets for the chicken dinner, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at the K. of C. Hall at 2801 West St., are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-12.

"The same secret ingredients that have been used for the last 34 chicken dinners have been secured for this year's event," said Grand Knight Jim Meyer, in a letter to parents and students. "Each dinner will include four pieces of chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, roll and a cookie."

For every ticket sold by a UA Foundation or Ursuline Academy Alumni Association, $1 goes to the Foundation scholarship program.

In addition, for every ticket sold by a student in a Springfield Catholic school, $1 will go to the individual school.