RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Graduating seniors of Randolph Air Force Base military parents may apply for a $1,000 scholarship from the 563rd Flying Training Squadron Spouses' Group.
The scholarship was created from funding the organization raised throughout the past year while supporting the 563rd FTS.
"At one time or another, a few of the squadron members and spouses had received scholarships from an officers' wives' club or other military organizations, and it provided us with a great start," said Brenda Duck, 563rd FTS Spouses' Group member. "We hope to give that same start to a deserving graduate that might otherwise not have the funds needed to continue their education, or just needs a boost to get started."
The spouses' group holds several different types of fundraisers throughout the year, including monthly squadron meals, a fall auction and various raffles. This year, a long-term raffle item is a quilt made by the families of the squadron, Ms. Duck said.
At the monthly socials, the spouses' group created lists of charities and ideas for the money they raised. The scholarship was one of the top three picks for the year.
In addition to the scholarship, the group donated to the local Battered Women's Shelter and to the Fisher House at Fort Sam Houston, Ms. Duck said.
"It is always nice to give back," she said, "since we are all so very blessed."
If the group continues to raise the funds that they have in the past, they hope to continue giving a scholarship each year.
"We have a very generous group of men and women, and are always willing to support a great cause," Ms. Duck said.
Students wishing to apply must be attending or planning to attend an accredited college or university full-time in the 2007 fall semester, or enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer to a four-year school.
To apply, students must submit an essay that is at least one full typed page about "Growing Up as a Military Child and its Effect on Me."
"It can be a positive or negative essay," Ms. Duck said, "what matters is what the student has gained or not gained from the experience."
All scholarship essays will be reviewed by a panel of five judges from the 563rd Spouses' Group. Entries must include the submitter's name, age, school attending currently and planned school for fall 2007, address, e-mail address and phone number. Entries should be mailed to: Brenda Duck, P.O. Box 448, Schertz, TX 78154, and must be received by May 31.
For more information, please contact Ms. Duck at (210) 452-9713.