When a recent statistical report ranked Maine 49th in the nation in the percentage of high school students going on to college, Adam Elboim '97 (Needham, Mass.), an economics and government double-major, saw a need for more financial aid. With the help of Associate Dean of Students Robert LaFleur, Elboim is organizing a silent art auction this month, the proceeds to establish a scholarship fund. The recipient will be an academically worthy Waterville High School student who shows financial need. Why a Waterville student? "We live here," he said. "It would be good to give back to the community." Elboim, who is head resident of Butler residence hall in East Quad, wanted to find a "tradition-oriented thing East Quad could do" for a community service project. He came up with the idea of the silent art auction and received the support of the Campus Community Committee, the Photography Club and the Art Department. Colby students, faculty and staff were solicited to donate art, crafts, photography and other personal work or pieces they have acquired. By mid-March, Elboim had received a baby quilt made by Assistant Professor of Biochemistry Julie Millard, ties donated by Associate Dean of Students Paul Johnston and several paintings, photographs and pieces of artwork from students, including hand-knit hats and a collection of poetry. Elboim hopes the auction not only benefits the scholarship recipient but gives Colby artists more exposure. "There are a lot of people here who are really talented, and [selling their work] is a good way to generate money," he said. Elboim is meeting with Waterville High School guidance counselors and Colby administrators to set up the fund and select a recipient. Elboim would like the art auction to become an annual event, he says, because the College needs more ways to build connections between the campus and Waterville. "My hope for the auction is that it generates enough good feeling between the Colby and Waterville communities that we can hope to work together more in the future," he said. "I know how much Waterville does for Colby students, and this is my way of thanking the residents."