FORT RUCKER, Ala. (May 16, 2013) -- Soldiers and Families came together at Divots at the Silver Wings Golf Course May 13 to honor and congratulate the recipients of this year's Fort Rucker Community Spouses Club scholarships.
FRCSC awarded scholarships to 30 high school and college students in the amount of $43,000 -- the largest amount the program has awarded in a single year, said Lynne Boehm, FRCSC scholarship chairperson.
Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Edens, U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center commanding general and director of Army Safety, was among those in attendance to congratulate the recipients.
"This is a big night for many of you, and as a member of this great community, I would like to say congratulations to all of you," he said. "You should be rightly proud of yourselves and your Family."
Samantha Bradley, scholarship recipient, said she's grateful for organizations like FRCSC that help those in need who wish to continue on with higher education.
"I'm just really thankful to them to receive this scholarship," she said. "I needed help getting into college and this helps me out greatly."
Stephanie Woodard, Society of American Military Engineers Scholarship recipient, said she hopes to one day give back to the military with her degree because of the help that has been provided to her.
"I'm so appreciative for getting this scholarship," she said. "It's a huge deal to me because I've already completed one year of college and this scholarship will help me through the coming years."
In the past nine years, FRCSC has awarded more than $133,000 in scholarships, said Boehm during the ceremony, adding that this year's record-breaking contribution is in large part thanks to the Fort Rucker Thrift Shop, which donated $27,000 to the program.
Another $10,000 was raised through the efforts of FRCSC events like the annual Hollyday Bazaar, and the remaining amount was donated by various organizations.
The scholarships are awarded based on applications submitted by military Family members, and anonymous judges score the applicants based on academics, community service, work experience, activities, letters of recommendation and an essay question, said Boehm, adding that the recipients are more than deserving of the scholarships.
"No one truly understands the importance of others before self more than the students whom we honor here tonight," she said. "No doubt, because of the challenges they've experienced as a military Family member, these scholars have proven through their excellence and academics, and service to our communities that they are our future."
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