Woman’s Club of White Plains To Award Scholarships

The Woman’s Club of White Plains has embarked on its annual task of awarding scholarships to White Plains High School students. A committee of four women from the Woman’s Club reviews the applications, interviews candidates and then chooses the deserving students. Criteria for awarding a scholarship include academic promise, strong moral character and involvement in community service. Candidates also submit an essay on why they should be considered for this award.

This year the Woman’s Club received over 50 applications for their scholarship program. Committee members often cite the remarkable stories and accomplishments of the students and the difficulty of selecting the fortunate ones to receive a scholarship. Last year eighteen students received an award from the Woman’s Club.

The committee will also be awarding the second annual Belle Knight Scholarship, named after the first president of the Woman’s Club. This honor is given to a student who shows exemplary leadership, dedication to public service and volunteerism. Last year’s winner, Abril Lopez Melendez,is currently attending the University of Pennsylvania.

The Woman’s Club of White Plains has been a mainstay of the community since 1916. The tradition of awarding scholarships dates to the 1950’s when scholarships were awarded to nursing students at White Plains Hospital. In the beginning, funds for the scholarships were raised through “bridges” but in recent years, the Annual Fashion Show and Scholarship Luncheon is the major fundraiser. This year’s luncheon is scheduled for Saturday April 21 at the Woman’s Club. Further details and tickets may be purchased online at www.womansclubofwhiteplains.org.

The Woman’s Club of White Plains is a diverse group of women with a shared sense of civic responsibility and a desire to give back to the community. Its mission is to enhance the lives of others as well as their members by participating in and sponsoring volunteer, charitable and fund-raising activities as well as social, educational and networking opportunities. In addition, the Club is also responsible for maintaining and restoring the historic CV Rich mansion, its clubhouse since 1930. The Woman’s Club believes every woman can contribute to the various opportunities the Club offers and invites women of all ages to join them as they continue their work to improve our communities. For more information about Club events and membership, see the website www.womansclubofwhiteplains.org.

Photo 1. L-R, Ybelize Pilarte, Scholarship Committee Chair, April Lopez Melendez, winner 2017 Belle Knight Scholarship, Maryann Martin, President, WCWP Foundation

Photo 2. 2017 Scholarship Winners and Committee Members