November 27, 2002
Five area women receive scholarships at Traverse City Zonta Club meeting
By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer
Giving women a chance to make a better life for themselves is what Zonta's Opportunity for Change Scholarship program is all about. Five area women received that chance when they were awarded a scholarship at the Zonta Club of Traverse City's meeting last week.
Over the past six years, 78 scholarships ranging from $135 to $2,000 have been given totaling more than $63,000. Recipients of the scholarships are women who have been recommended by the Women's Resource Center and want to gain greater control of their lives through education.
"Being able to offer this scholarship offers the women a sense of hope and empowerment by helping them go back to school," said Aimee Sandula of the Women's Resource Center.
"The committee is saying 'we believe in you,' that means a lot to them," Sandula noted.
One of this years recipients, Sandie Douglas, who is studying accounting at Northwestern Michigan College, says she would not be able to make it without the help of the scholarship.
"This is so important to me. I was in a terrible relationship for 10 years and now I want to do this for me and for my kids. I want to show them how important a good education is. This will help make my dream come true," said Douglas, who has been named to the national dean's list and Phi Beta Cappa.
Deb Faas, financial aid coordinator at NMC, complemented the Zonta group on their efforts to help out local women.
"You are touching the students who have an actual need and making a difference in their lives," she said.
Funds to support the scholarship program are raised by Zonta members through the annual Festival of Trees, Zonta Golf Outing and other fund raising projects.