Embracing our Heroes Scholarship check for DSU from Washington County Republican Women

The Independent

Supporting our troops comes in many shapes and sizes, and it comes locally here in Washington County by groups such as the Washington County Republican Women. How are they supporting troops? By helping our veterans transition back into civilian life through scholarships.

On Monday, December 8, the Washington County Republican Women are presenting an ‘Embracing our Heroes Scholarship’ check for $15,500 to President Richard Williams at Dixie State University. This scholarship was established in 2005 to help those who have been active duty military (and their spouses) with tuition and expenses while attending the University. Republican Women have previously funded the scholarship with approximately $30,000 in the past. The presentation will take place at 2:00 pm at DSU Office of the President, 225 S. 700 E., in St. George, UT.

The Embracing Our Heroes Scholarship was primarily funded by donations, with donors being entered into a prize drawing for a beautiful, patriotic quilt each year. Longtime members of WCRW, Wilma Courtney and Colleen Willis, designed and pieced together a new quilt for the last 8 years and displayed them at numerous community events to raise awareness and funds for the scholarship. The quilts were large and intricate with red, white, and blue patterns but each one was special with a unique design. Wilma and Colleen have been passionate about spearheading this project and have worked tirelessly to raise funds to show appreciation and to honor servicemen and women and their spouses.

So far 12 students at Dixie State have been recipients of this scholarship. “Several spouses of disabled veterans have received scholarship funds and this has been especially rewarding to give them the opportunity to get an education and be able to support their families,” said Wilma Courtney.

For more information about applying for the Embracing Our Heroes Scholarship go to www.dixie.edu/scholarships, or to donate please contact Rick Palmer in the Endowments Office at 435-652-7509.

Washington County Republican Women have been active in local politics for over 50 years. They help women to become more effective participants in good government, they promote Republican principles, and work to elect Republican nominees. WCRW also organizes and participates in community service projects such as the Embracing Our Heroes Scholarship, literacy initiatives in the local schools, and providing needed items to the Dove Center. For more information about Washington County Republican Women please go to www.washingtoncountyrepublicanwomen.com.