KOSC awards $56,000 in scholarships Published May 29, 2008 By Maj. John Hutcheson 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AB, Japan -- The Kadena Officers' Spouses Club continued its tradition of giving recently as it awarded $56,000 in scholarships to deserving children and spouses of military members here. The organization hosted its annual scholarship banquet May 15 at the Officers' Club as a way to recognize the efforts of the scholarship winners and to thank the countless spouses whose volunteerism made the scholarships possible. A total of 27 high school students and spouses received scholarship awards, some as much as $3,500 each, to further their educational goals, whether they be attending college for the first time or pursuing a master's degree. The KOSC was able to fund the scholarships through the operation of the Kadena Gift Corner. In total, the club raised nearly $190,000 last year as a result of the Gift Corner, which is run almost exclusively by spouse volunteers. In addition to scholarships, the KOSC donates most of the remaining money to various U.S. and Okinawan charities through the American Women's Welfare Association. The KOSC honorary President, Marianne Williams congratulated the recipients and their families and applauded their commitment to excellence. "You've shined through your achievement and your effort, and we're proud of you," she told the winners. Mrs. Williams also took the opportunity to thank all the volunteers who give their time at the Gift Corner, saying that most spouses don't look at the hours spent restocking shelves and selling gifts as work. "They see the big picture," she said "and they're honored to volunteer to raise the money to be able to give back to their own." Sly Hallman, KOSC scholarship co-chair, admitted to the audience that having the opportunity to oversee the scholarship program was the "most exciting and fulfilling experience of all." Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Wilson, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron superintendent, attended the event with his daughter Tara, a graduating senior at Kadena High School. Tara was the recipient of a $3,500 award and intends to study musical theater at Christopher Newport University in the fall. "The scholarship is tremendous when you look at the cost of tuition today," said Chief Wilson. "It makes it even more special to know that so much work by the KOSC went into making these scholarships possible." Jamie Hahn, an Air Force spouse and a teacher at Stearley Heights Elementary School, received a $3,500 award to continue pursuing her Masters in Education with a Reading Endorsement, echoed that sentiment. "Because of this scholarship and a little thrifty saving, I am able to pay off all of my graduate degree without having to take on a student loan," said Mrs. Hahn. "This lets me not only work toward my goal of a master's degree but also allows me to work toward other goals without finances becoming a problem." In addition to the KOSC scholarships, Victoria Whitmore, a senior at Kadena High School was awarded an additional scholarship from First Command Bank for having the top score on her application package. As the event concluded, Col Manson Morris, 18th Wing vice commander, congratulated the recipients and charged them to use the scholarships to better themselves and "do more good things for more people."