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Sandwich coed awarded $500 Lions Club scholarship

Sandwich resident Samantha West has been awarded a $500 scholarship from the Aurora Noon Lions Club.

West, a 2016 Sandwich High graduate, is the daughter of Barb and Jim West of Sandwich.

Samantha was honored at the Noon Lions Club's Aug. 1 luncheon meeting at Luigi's Pizza in Aurora.

Michele Needham, Noon Lions president, introduced West who said she will major in American Sign Language and minor in deaf culture at Waubonsee Community College.

West said, "I hope to pursue a degree to help the deaf and hard of hearing live a more normal life."

At Sandwich High, West held first chair flute in wind ensemble, served as stage manager for "Little Women" and "H.M.S. Pinafore" student theater productions and participated in jazz group, National Honor Society and Tri-M honor group.

Also active in the community, West assists Illinois Patriot Guard Riders and Arms Reaching Many in Society.

Founded in 1922, the Aurora Noon Lions Club meets on the first and third Mondays at Luigi's Pizza, 732 Prairie St. in Aurora. Prospective members are invited to visit. Call (630) 921-1307 for more information.

Since the club's chartering, Aurora Noon Lions have supported projects to aid blind, vision-impaired and hearing-impaired youth and adults.

In addition to college scholarships, proceeds from fundraising events have sponsored a picnic and fishing clinic for deaf and hard of hearing students, a sign-language Santa holiday pizza party and a vision clinic at VNA Healthcare in Aurora.

About Lions Clubs International

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.

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