Sixteen school-age children who lost a parent as the result of the sniper attacks in Montgomery County last October are to benefit from a campaign to raise funds for educational scholarships. The children range in age from the youngest in elementary school to the oldest already in college.

The scholarship campaign is being sponsored by the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation, which will hold a fund raising reception on April 3, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., at Indian Spring Country Club, located at 13506 Layhill Road, Silver Spring.

A number of community leaders will be on hand, including CNN journalist Judy Woodruff who will moderate the program. The event also will honor the contributions of County Executive Douglas Duncan and Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Moose for their work and support during the sniper crisis.

People who want to contribute to the scholarship campaign and attend the event can choose from the following levels of financial support:

* Summa cum laude, $10,000 - two tables of 10
* Magna cum laude, $5,000 - one table of 10
* Cum laude, $2,500 - five tickets at reserved table
* Honorable mention, $1,000 - two tickets at reserved table
* Individual ticket: $175

Contributions also will be accepted from those unable to attend.

Checks should be made payable to the MCPS Educational Foundation (c/o Montgomery County Public Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Room 257, Rockville, Maryland 20850). The foundation is a nonprofit organization, and a portion of each ticket cost is tax deductible.

For more information, contact Sandra Shmookler at 301-279-3432.