Officers' Spouses Club awards $24,500 in scholarships

  • Published
  • By Maj. John Hutcheson
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  "Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!"

With those famous words from the Dr. Seuss classic, Oh the Places You'll Go, the Kadena Officers' Spouses Club kicked off its annual scholarship award banquet May 20 and awarded $24,500 in scholarships to deserving children and spouses of military members here.

The organization hosted its annual scholarship banquet as a way to recognize the efforts of the scholarship winners and to thank the spouses whose volunteerism made the scholarships possible.

A total of 17 high school students and spouses received scholarship awards to further their educational goals, whether they be attending college for the first time or pursuing a master's degree.

"The scholarship means that someone recognizes all the hard work I put into building my character in high school," said Amanda Donoven who received a $1,250 scholarship. "It is such a great feeling." Ms. Donoven plans to study engineering at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Ms. Donoven's father, Chief Master Sgt. Michael P. Donoven, 18th Mission Support Group chief enlisted manager, was thankful for the efforts of the KOSC to provide financial support for his daughter's education.

"As a parent they [scholarships] are wonderful; anything that helps defray the massive cost of a college education is a gift that cannot be overstated," said the chief.

The process wasn't a walk in the park though, according to Kendra Stolee, KOSC scholarship chair. In addition to filling out an application and providing a résumé, cover letter and transcripts, applicants were required to take part in an interview with a panel of three judges. The effort paid off though.

"For some recipients, the money may pay for a couple of courses," said Mrs. Stolee. "For others attending state schools with in-state rates, it might cover a whole semester. Every little bit helps."

The KOSC was able to fund the scholarships through the operation of the Kadena Gift Corner, which is run almost exclusively by spouse volunteers. In addition to the scholarships, the club has donated more than $52,000 over the last year to U.S. and Okinawan charities through the American Women's Welfare Association as well as to various Kadena organizations.

One of those spouses who contributed her time at the Gift Corner and also received a $1,000 scholarship is Annette Schaefer. She is pursuing a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Mexico and hopes to work with the handicapped and the elderly to help them maintain their independence and lead productive lives.

"These scholarships can mean to difference between a spouse who continues to pursue his or her dreams despite being overseas or someone who gives up, wasting time and opportunity," said Mrs. Schaefer. "The simple fact that this professional committee believed in each recipient enough to honor us with a scholarship means that others have faith in our abilities as well. I can't think of a better way to validate hard work, encourage higher education, and continue motivation than by receiving a scholarship from a respected community organization such as the KOSC."

2010 KOSC Scholarship Winners:

High School Seniors

Jordan Castillo-Henderson: $750
Norman Correa Jr.: $750
Ashley Smith: $750
Nichole de Guzman: $1,000
Joshua Dow: $1,000
Bryan Wayland: $1,250
Amanda Donoven: $1,250
Amy Smith: $1,750
Christine Comia: $1,750
Mary Schweers: $2,000
Bridgette Reilly: $2,000
Hassan Vaughan: $2,500

Spouses

Annette Schaefer: $1,000
Jenny Tweedy: $1,250
Amy Clements: $1,500
Benjaporn "Penny" Childers: $1,750
Katy Clark: $2,000