Tea and crumpets was not the only thing served at the Baby Island Saratoga Club’s annual spring tea.

Two local high school students each received a $1,000 scholarship from the club to support their plans for higher education.

Bayview High School senior Heather Nielsen received the vocational scholarship and South Whidbey High School senior Eric Vanderbilt-Mathews won the academic scholarship.

“Both were very strong candidates with impressive records of accomplishment and considerable promise,” said Richard Bullock, the scholarship chairman for the group.

“The Baby Island Saratoga Club is very proud to support them and will continue to stand behind them in the years ahead.”

This is a banner year for the Baby Island Saratoga Club, which was formed in the 1950s. Although the club had originated with a mission to support Whidbey Island high school graduates, the support of the scholarship program lost steam.

In 2009, the current members resurrected the program and re-introduced the spring tea fundraiser for the scholarship fund. The success of the 2009 event made the $1,000 scholarships possible for this year’s recipients and the re-launching of the scholarship program.

Twelve finalists were interviewed by a committee of club members. The scholarships were presented at the 2010 spring tea which raised funds for next year’s scholarship awards.

The Baby Island Saratoga Club has added a second fundraising event to its calendar this year. The event will be a wine-and-food pairing evening called “Saratoga Summerfest,” and will be held Saturday, Aug. 21 at a private residence.

Tickets are available through Baby Island Saratoga Club members. Proceeds from Saratoga Summerfest will go to the scholarship fund and will provide further assistance for students who continue their education.