The 17th annual Gov Aker Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament is Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Mount Graham Golf Course. It begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start.

Gov Aker was a teacher and coach at Safford High School during the 1950s. Later, he served as the mayor of Safford.

This tournament is a major fund-raiser for the Safford High School Educational and Scholarship Foundation. All fund-raisers held by the SHS Foundation, which has been in existence since 1988, raise funds for graduating seniors. The foundation awarded a single $500 scholarship the first year, and through the generous support of the community, alumni and endowments, the amount given to students has surpassed $290,000. All donations to the foundation are tax deductible, and all earnings and donations are invested, creating perpetual scholarships in the names of those who have endowed them. The golf event is very popular, providing an opportunity for people to have fun and, at the same time, help kids further their education. The foundation’s goal is to help as many students as possible go on to some type of higher education. It has helped hundreds of students begin their college careers and hopes to help thousands more.

The tournament is set up in a scramble format as four-player teams take the best ball as their shot. One benefit of the scramble is that each player can hit his or her own shot. The tournament has become a destination event for many returning players, and families are hosted as well. No experience is necessary to play, nor is an established handicap required.

Entry fee for the tournament is $40 per player, which includes 18 holes of golf, lunch and a chance to win tournament prizes. Hole sponsorships are $125 and include golf for two players. This year, nongolfer hole sponsorships are available for $100. To sponsor a hole, contact Donna McGaughey at 428-9124.

Low-gross and low-net prizes of shirts with the Gov Aker Tournament logo will also be awarded.

Carts are limited for the event and may be reserved by calling the Mount Graham Golf Course at 348-3140.

The tournament is run entirely by volunteer help, and the committee welcomes help from SHS alumni, teachers and students needing service hours. To volunteer during the tournament, call McGaughey at the number above.

For more information on the SHS Foundation go to www.saffordusd.k12.az.us and click on SHS Foundation.