Thirty-four Washington County women have been selected for scholarships awarded by the St. George branch of the American Association of University Women. It is the largest group of recipients since the program was initiated by the local branch 30 years ago. The recipients will be introduced at the AAUW luncheon May 2 starting at 11 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott.
Recipients were selected after two days of interviews, and there were more deserving applicants than available scholarships, according to scholarship committee co-chair Shannon Andersen.
In addition to written essays, the candidates were interviewed by AAUW women. Ability to graduate and financial need were considered for entering and present DSU students, and women returning to college after life circumstances interrupted their education were included in the evaluations.
“Grades, attitude, and ability were considered in the screenings, but the most important factors were demonstrated drive and determination to meet their goals,” Andersen said. “Our awards are offered as a ‘pat on the back’ affirmation to each recipient that she has what it takes to reach her goals and contribute to society.”
New this year to the program were scholarships awarded to students to attend another local university in the event that DSU did not offer a chosen major. Of the 34 recipients, one will be attending University of Utah, and another will attend Utah Valley University.
AAUW members offer mentoring to scholarship recipients. Funds for the program are raised through private donations and an annual gala held in the fall.
2016 AAUW St. George scholarship winners
Lori Bassett, English education
Alisha Benson, criminal justice
McKelle Boren, health Education promotions
Emily Bowles, accounting
Geneva Burdick, dental hygiene
Jodi Bracken, English education
Haisley Brooking, biology
Daniela Contreras, biology
Tara Dippre, elementary education
Glory Eyere, biology
Charmayne Fowler, computer science
Linda Hill, nursing
Jacie Hulet, nursing
Nancy Johnson, biology
Jessica Jones, elementary education
Chloe Lichtenberg, Spanish education
Angela Mayer, nursing
Michajah Meller, computer science
Jodi Merritt, English education
Katrina McColl, engineering
Katelyn Orme, nursing
Kristin Parry, English
Erica Peterson, psychology
Jayme Pickett, elementary education
Kay Reilly, integrated studies
Makenna Rogers, nursing
Dawne Roper, history education
Stephanie Sawyer, sociology
Katherine Stewart, nursing
Megan Thacker, psychology
Savannah Tuttle, biology
Ashley Vogel, health education
Whitley Carter Welch, biomedicine
Angelique Wood, biology
