Ellsworth Officers’ Spouses Club awards $20,800 in scholarships

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The Ellsworth Officers' Spouses Club, in support of the Military Dependents Scholarship Program, held its annual scholarship awards banquet May 17 at the Dakota's club. Fifteen scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors and three were awarded to military spouses. The total of all 18 scholarships equaled $20,800. 

"Scholarship monies are raised through the club's charity auction held each fall," said Jill Keim, Scholarship Chair, EOSC. "This year, the auction raised the most scholarship money in its history. The program would not be a success without the generous contributions from the community and military members. 

"Scholarships are provided to military and military-affiliated dependents who have demonstrated the highest personal and intellectual qualities both through superior academic performance and through participation and leadership in extracurricular and community activities." 

This year's recipients and scholarships awarded are:
Kristin Brandli, daughter of Master Sgt. Bret Brandli, $1,000
Katrina Bucknall, daughter of retired Maj. Dave Bucknall, $1,350
Sara Callaway, daughter of retired Staff Sgt. Jeffery Callaway, $1,000
Ryan Cavanaugh, son of retired Lt. Col. Dan Cavanaugh, $500
Samantha Clark, daughter of Master Sgt. Martin Clark, $1,600
Catherine Desautels, wife of Airman 1st Class Kevin Desautels, $2,000
Andrea Engwall, daughter of Chief Master Sgt. Carl Engwall, $1,350
KathiLee Harrell, daughter of Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Harrell, $500
Kelsey Hinesley, daughter of retired Maj. Ted Hinesley, $750
Nicholas Lewandowski, son of Col. Ronald Lewandowski, $750
Ava Sauter, daughter of retired Sgt. 1st Class Edwin Sauter, $2,000
$500 Ruth Dennon Memorial fund winner
Kathryn Shattuck, daughter of Col. Debra Shattuck, $500
Jennifer Styles, daughter of retired Lt. Col. Jerald Styles, $2,000
Aaron Velez, son of Master Sgt. Efcel Velez, $1,000
Jessicca Verchio, daughter of Maj. Tony Verchio, $1,000
Elizabeth Willis, wife of 1st Lt. Nathan Willis, $1,000
Amanda Wilson, daughter of retired Lt. Col. Thomas Wilson, $1,000
Carissa Young, wife of Senior Airman Elliott Young, $1,500

"With the many moves a military student makes while attending high school or college comes the many transfers to new schools," said Mrs. Keim. "Each time a student transfers, he or she is responsible to make new friends, develop new relationships, join extracurricular activities, find new part-time employment all while maintaining a solid grade point average. 

"Reestablishing one's self in a new home and educational institution imbues these individuals with personal characteristics, such as being outgoing and resilient lending to a strong self concept. I must say, this year's recipients certainly possess these attributes. 

"The OSC understands with education comes the heavy burden of paying the high cost of receiving a college degree. We recognize with frequent moves, attaining scholarships and funding may be difficult. We commend these students for their courage and perseverance." 

Scholarship applications for 2008 will be available mid-December 2007. Further information can be obtained through the EOSC website at http://rap.midco.net/EOSC/scholarships.html. For more information contact Mrs. Kristi Hullings, scholarship chair for 2007 to 2008 at 923-4207.