Denver, CO - Seven area girls to receive awards for higher education.
Girls Incorporated of Metro Denver will honor seven outstanding young women tomorrow as the recipients of scholarship awards through the Girls Inc. Helen McLoraine Scholarship Fund. The announcement and presentations will be part of the organization's annual Celebration Dinner, held at the Girls Inc. west Denver campus on May 18th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In 2004, the Estate of Helen McLoraine endowed the organization with a $1 million scholarship fund earmarked for girls who have participated in Girls Inc. of Metro Denver programs. Providing a total of $45,000 in scholarships each year, it was established to assist six girls in achieving their goal of pursing higher education. This year, an additional award, the Kinnard Scholarship, will also be made.
Three $5,000 Teen Leadership Scholarships will be awarded to high school students who exhibit leadership in Girls Inc. programs and in their communities. This year's winners are Valencia Peterson (George Washington High School), Yamili Quezada (North High School), and Shavon Thompson (George Washington High School).
One $1,000 Kinnard Scholarship will be awarded to Yoshanni Ford-Boone (East High School) for her exemplary leadership.
Two $10,000 Strong, Smart and Bold Scholarships are awarded each year to outstanding high school girls who have participated in Girls Inc. programs. This year's recipients are Ayrielle Pollard (George Washington High School) and Jazzarie Fejeran (George Washington High School).
The Helen McLoraine Scholarship is awarded to a former Girls Inc. participant who is currently enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited post-secondary educational institution. This year's award $10,000 award will be presented to Sharoia Taylor, who just completed her sophomore year at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
"It has taken a unique combination of all of the qualities we try to promote here at Girls Incorporated strength, smarts and boldness for each of these scholarship winners to overcome the individual challenges they've encountered in their lives and pursue their college dreams. Despite any odds or obstacles they've faced, each has found her own inner capacity to not only make a difference in her own life, but to reach out and take a leadership role in her community," said Colleen Colarelli, President and CEO of Girls Incorporated of Metro Denver. "The Helen McLoraine Scholarship was established to foster such initiative and provide girls with a resource along the way toward achieving their goals. Girls Inc. is extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to work with these amazing young women and to support their achievements."
In lieu of a keynote speaker, this year's Celebration Dinner will feature reflections from the Helen McLoraine and Strong, Smart and Bold Scholarship winners. Each has an inspirational and unique story to share of her achievements and future dreams.
