Living the Dream: New University Scholarships Awarded

Tara A. Spears

T his weekend four families in Jaltemba Bay area are celebrating their daughter’s achievements and her bright future. We, the Women to Women Committee, are proud to announce the new scholarship recipients. It was a tough competition with so many bright and motivated applicants- we have to turn away many great individuals due to limited resources.

Many thanks to all of our loyal guests, sponsors, and local businesses that donate; it’s the generosity of many people that enables our volunteer group to provide this financial funding to the Jaltemba Bay community. It’s a huge effort that has huge results: more than 81 Jaltemba Bay young women (in addition to the new 4) have gone to university since our inception. Yes, 85 talented young women have acquired a degree and started on a professional career thanks to the Fashion Show parties.

Unfortunatel,y there were no parties in the plaza for two years. W2W was able to fund these bright young ladies through our virtual sponsorship campaign. You can still give from anywhere at any time by visiting our web page: www.mujeresamujeres.com

How Students are selected: W2W has a Student Criteria Rubric that has numerical value for each of four categories of attributes that we focus on. All students are evaluated the same and those with the total highest scores are selected for a scholarship. Also considered is the applicants’ poise and maturity during the interview in addition to her talent.

Above average academic performance: we do not consider anyone with less than 85/100
cumulative average (which is equivalent to B+.) the Last 5 years we have selected above 9.5Financial need: more weight is given to a single income, multiple children or both parents
work minimum wage job such as fisherman/ yard man/cook/taxi driver.

Leadership qualities: Those individuals that have volunteered during high school or worked
to c to contribute to their education earn a higher score. A minimum of two letters of recom-
mendation (from non-family members) is submitted to verify the student personal qualities.

Her university major & future plans: Those students who plan to return to Jaltemba Bay or
whose education will benefit other people have more weight.

All of the young women were nervous and wanted to make a good impression during the interview in hopes of scoring a university scholarship. Each teen dreams big and worked hard for years to earn above average grades to qualify. Most of the applicants are the first in her family to complete high school and attempt university-WOW.

All the girls have imaged and worked for a better life for herself and her family through education. It is very impressive that teens growing up in a small town have such a cosmopolitan attitude (all are studying multiple languages,) and have a passion for environmental issues.

While we are giving accolades, in addition to the stellar newbies, five of our active Fashion Show scholarship ladies are graduating the most recent academic year.

These dreams and success stories were made possible by YOU attending the gala party in the town plaza. The lovely luncheons have opened the door to a better future for these students. Thank you to all who attend the yearly event- your support makes a tremendous difference in the community! Many thanks to all who have donated for the last two years even though we couldn’t hold the event.

Kudos! Hugs! Dust off your angel wings and hope we get to celebrate in 2023.