Women's Club of Inverness Help to Make Education Dreams Come True
One of the most rewarding experiences of being a Women's Club of Inverness (WCI) member is attending the May meeting. It closes the membership year, celebrates accomplishments, pinpoints WCI's philanthropy grants and introduces the student scholars. The 2018-19 year was another one of exceptional giving with WCI's reinvestment of $70,200 into the community!
Having granted over $400,000 in scholarships, WCI members do not tire of hearing about the perseverance and dedication of these students to reach academic excellence. Education Chairs Patti O'Brien and Liz McKay shared the amazing achievements and personal hardships of this year's 15 scholars, as well as the student's college or career plans. Family members were there to share in the celebration too.
This year's Jessalyn Nicklas Memorial Scholarship winner was Madiha Amir, a Hoffman Estates High School graduate with a weighted GPA of 4.919. She will be studying Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Nicklas was WCI's founder and first president. The other WCI memorial scholarship named for Raisa Bratkiv, a dedicated member and past president, was bestowed upon Steffi Chen. Fremd High School faculty describe her as a student who excels academically, athletically, and musically. Steffi will be studying electrical engineering at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign and joins her older sister, Jamie, in being a WCI scholar! Both scholars sent family members to receive their award due to nationwide AP testing.
The WCI Scholarship Application is made available to schools in the geographic boundaries of school district's #220 and #211, Harper College, and on the WCI website. Applications are evaluated based primarily on academic achievement, financial need, and personal essay, as well as teacher recommendations and school/work involvement. A student may apply annually throughout his/her post-secondary education.
Once students and their guests departed following the presentation, the WCI business meeting continued. Outgoing officers Nina Stephenson, Deb Armstrong and Kathy Hickey were thanked. Elected officers were installed for 2019-2021 terms: Jennifer DeFranco, Vice President, and Karen Kallman, Treasurer. These officers join the remaining Executive Board: President Karen Spering, Recording Secretary Fran Guziel, Corresponding Secretary Jay Kist, and Director Eileen Kohne.
Although WCI enjoys a summer hiatus, many members are planning next year's fundraisers to fulfill the Club's mission. Save the date for November 7th to Sip and Sparkle! The 2019-20 membership year will kick off on September 12; guests are always welcome! Register to attend a meeting or learn about joining WCI at www.womensclubofinverness.com.