Benefit Puts Marsh Closer to Tuition Goal

By Amber Lester Thursday, January 07, 2010

Divine Marsh

The Ithaca College musical theater major raised a little more than $6,000 during a performance that showcased her talents in music and dance. But she still needs $4,000 by Jan. 11 to return to her college. The private school’s yearly tuition is $46,000.

“Everything went according to plan and more. The talent was out of this world,” she said Tuesday. “I didn’t make all that I needed, but I came pretty close. We have been praying every day that more money will come in.”

Marsh, a 2008 Lafayette High School graduate, transferred from Regent University to Ithaca College this fall after she was admitted to the New York college’s highly selective program. The musical theater department boasts several Tony-nominated alumni and its challenging program requires students who aren’t performing well to be cut each semester. Marsh survived the first cut, but also received bad news from the financial aid office: If she couldn’t pay for the rest of her tuition by January, she would no longer be enrolled.

After some pleading, she was able to secure a scholarship contingent on her ability to raise $10,000 by the second semester. Her church, Bethel Restoration Center, agreed to help her raise the money by hosting her cabaret on Sunday.

If you are interested in donating to Marsh, mail a check to 116 Wellington Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23188.