Military dependants earn Spouses Club scholoarships

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Sixteen Moody dependant spouses and children were selected to receive scholarships up to $ 1,000 by the Moody Spouses Club during a ceremony May 1 at the Moody Field Club.

All scholarship selects had to hold a 3.0 grade point average, demonstrate good leadership skills or hold responsibilities within a club or organization. They also had to receive a recommendation from an authority figure such as a teacher or church leader. The applicants were also required to submit an essay about their experiences with the military and how it shaped their lives and goals.

"There were a lot of gifted students and insightful essays," said Susan Verenbec, Moody Spouses Club scholarship chair. "It was a very difficult decision, and we actually had outside sources help with the final decision."

Mrs. Verenbec said in order to make the process as fair as possible, the club asked Valdosta State University admissions officials to take a look at the packages so there could be no favoritism.

Caitlin Connelly and Danielle Vallely, both dependants who received scholarships, are going to VSU next semester and echoed each other when saying it was a fun experience. They also said they appreciated the Moody Spouses Club helping with their college tuition.

Col. Les Martin, 23rd Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony and assisted in presenting the scholarships.

"It's an honor to present these young scholars with tuition money," said Colonel Martin. "It's not often that you have this many great students and future leaders together and recognize them for their efforts." 

Also receiving scholarships at the ceremony were: Ann Avila, Molly Broussard, Martin Ertlschweiger, Alicia George, Tommy Hammond, Laura Kivi, Drew Martin, Ashley McCulloch, Michael Meaux, Jessic Rago, Mandi Rice, James Robinson, Jaime Rogers and Cheri Roy.