Seven winners took home more than $1,500 from a duck race sponsored by the Powell Swim Club recently.Joyce Harkness was the big winner, collecting the $1,000 when her duck crossed the line first. Other winners were Killian Spradin, Cindy Childs, Vicki Hillberry, Michael Bohlman and Michael Tracy. Among the prizes were a week's stay in a condo in Mexico, a hotel night in Billings, and gift certificates to Linton's, El Tapatio, Roger's Meats and Vali Cinema.According to Jerry Rodriguez, head coach of the Powell Swim Club, about 500 ducks were sponsored for the race, and the event earned $3,100 to support the club's activities. John Campbell, president of the club board of directors, said the members were grateful for the support.“Our community is always so supportive of student programs,” Campbell said. “The Powell Swim Club appreciates and thanks everyone who bought duck race tickets and those who support the club throughout the year in many ways. Each supporter is part of our team even if they are not in the water.”Rodriguez said the club will be holding more fundraisers in an effort to build up a reserve for when swimming moves into the new aquatic center currently under construction. The club will have to begin paying for pool time once that happens, Rodriguez said, and there is uncertainty about how much that will cost. The club hopes to be able to remain affordable for all members of the community.“We want to make sure we aren't a club just for rich kids,” Rodriguez said.Harkness took advantage of her winnings to help the club achieve that goal, donating a portion of her prize to the Powell Pirhanas, the USA swim team sponsored by the Powell Swim Club.

Seven winners took home more than $1,500 from a duck race sponsored by the Powell Swim Club recently.

Joyce Harkness was the big winner, collecting the $1,000 when her duck crossed the line first. Other winners were Killian Spradin, Cindy Childs, Vicki Hillberry, Michael Bohlman and Michael Tracy. Among the prizes were a week's stay in a condo in Mexico, a hotel night in Billings, and gift certificates to Linton's, El Tapatio, Roger's Meats and Vali Cinema.

According to Jerry Rodriguez, head coach of the Powell Swim Club, about 500 ducks were sponsored for the race, and the event earned $3,100 to support the club's activities.

John Campbell, president of the club board of directors, said the members were grateful for the support.

“Our community is always so supportive of student programs,” Campbell said. “The Powell Swim Club appreciates and thanks everyone who bought duck race tickets and those who support the club throughout the year in many ways. Each supporter is part of our team even if they are not in the water.”

Rodriguez said the club will be holding more fundraisers in an effort to build up a reserve for when swimming moves into the new aquatic center currently under construction. The club will have to begin paying for pool time once that happens, Rodriguez said, and there is uncertainty about how much that will cost. The club hopes to be able to remain affordable for all members of the community.

“We want to make sure we aren't a club just for rich kids,” Rodriguez said.

Harkness took advantage of her winnings to help the club achieve that goal, donating a portion of her prize to the Powell Pirhanas, the USA swim team sponsored by the Powell Swim Club.