WHS Senior Wins 2022 Wilton Woman's Club Elizabeth Sternad Scholarship

**News release submitted by Wilton Woman’s Club**

Wilton High School senior, Megan Hanny is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Wilton Woman’s Club Elizabeth Sternad Scholarship which was presented at the recent Wilton High School Award Ceremony. Megan earned the scholarship based on her application showing leadership, initiative, and commitment to community service.

The scholarship is named after Elizabeth Sternad, who founded the Wilton Woman’s Club over 50 years ago, in 1966. Ms. Sternad and friends started the Club to serve people and groups in Wilton and the surrounding community, to give back through philanthropy, to educate, and to strengthen bonds between women.Shelley Dempsey, daughter of Betty Sternad, said she was "so sorry to miss the ceremony that my mom and dad did for many years... It was always so rewarding. I attended WHS as did my four sons and it is so special to our family that my mom's legacy will live on. The WWC was my mom's 'baby' as she was a founding member and President for years early on, and then also many years later. As she watched my four children and her other grandchildren apply to college, and realized the enormous cost... she and dad made a commitment to make sure that a Wilton student might have a bit of 'pocket money' to help them along. As a family we are so grateful for their commitment, and now to fund this scholarship is a lasting legacy to mom."

Marnelli Chavez- Martin, an Executive Board Member and Chair of the Scholarship Committee, shared, "I am so inspired by our young leaders like Megan, who work to serve in their communities and the generosity they’ve dedicated over the years to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. It’s wonderful to see that our future is in excellent hands with these young women showing up selflessly and leading the way." As a reputable mentor to many young girls, Megan imparts exemplary values in future leaders. She mentors elementary school girls on how to become powerful women, unites students as the Vice President of her graduating class and leads her church in mission trips around the country.As the secretary and mentor for Ms. President U.S. organization in Wilton

CT and a Girl Scout Gold awardee, Megan is responsible for motivating young girls to become the best versions of themselves. As a captain of the field hockey team, she was instrumental in leading the team to state championship. She also models impeccable character to youth groups and supports them to aim for the highest civic leadership positions. Lastly, she actively participates in discussions with congressional representatives and practices debate.

The Wilton Woman’s Club is a volunteer organization for Wilton women, continuing the tradition of community service, education, philanthropy, and strengthening bonds. This spring the club raised $17,500 for the Friends of Ambler Farm. Club members also donate their time to serve the Senior Center, Ogden House, Wilton Social Services, the Person-to-Person Food Pantry, and the Person-to-Person Clothing Donation Center.

Please visit www.wiltonwomansclub.org to learn more and become a member.

**News release submitted by Wilton Woman’s Club**