JAMESTOWN - The Jamestown Branch of the American Association of University Women recently honored 13 young women with scholarships to help them continue their education.
Lori Cornell, minority leader of the Chautauqua County Legislature from Jamestown, was the keynote speaker for the event held at Sheldon House. She talked about some of the gifts that women bring to government. She noted the skills of connectivity and the gifts of nurture as well as the penchant for discussion, the skill of multitasking and knack for getting things done.
She suggested State Senator Cathy Young as an example of a person who connects with others and who multitasks all the time. She mentioned Judge Judith Clair as a person who brought a nurturing approach to her judgeship to get at the root causes of issues that keep bringing families to her court.
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The Jamestown Branch of the American Association honored 13 young women who will be graduating from Jamestown Business College or Jamestown Community College at the AAUW Spring Social at Sheldon House. Scholarships will help them pursue more education or a new business. Pictured are, first row: Chelsea Young, Lauren Sharp, Chelsea Gray, Chrystal Herman; second row: Ashley DePane, Madeleine Apperson, Mallory Deuink and Kyla Hill. Those not able to attend were: Jenny Bojanowski, Ashley Gardner, Natalie Marsh, Sherise Peacock and Christy Twilight.
"I have three things for you to remember," Cornell told the gathering. "First, just go do it. Run for office and serve the community. Second, support each other. Sometimes women are our own worst critics. Third, shatter stereotypes. A woman can be a good mother and a good community leader."
The young women from Jamestown Community College who won scholarships include the following.
Madeline Apperson who is transferring to Rochester Institute of Technology to study journalism from Jamestown Community College and hopes to teach community college writing courses.
Jenny Bojanowski will be graduating with her registered nursing degree from JCC and plans to transfer to Daemen College to continue studying nursing.
Ashley Depane won the $500 freshman athletic scholarship.
Mallory Deuink is graduating from JCC with her occupational therapy assisting degree and will continue her studies to become a registered occupational therapist.
Ashley Gardner is transferring from JCC to Mercyhurst College to pursue her education as a music teacher.
Chelsea Gray is transferring from JCC to SUNY Fredonia to pursue her goal to become a school social worker.
Kyla Hill is transferring from JCC to Ferris State University in Big Rapids Michigan to continue her studies to become a welding engineer and artist.
Natalie Marsh is transferring from JCC to Hamline College to study forensic anthropology.
Sharise Peacock is transferring from JCC to Alfred University to continue her studies in sculpture and art history.
Lauren Sharp is transferring from JCC to Cornell University to continue her passion of researching environmental issues.
Christy Twilight is transferring from JCC to St. Bonaventure University to study immuno genetics and ultimately receive her Ph.D.
Chelsea Young will be transferring from JCC to SUNY Fredonia to continue her goal to become a second grade teacher.
Chrystal Herman is graduating from Jamestown Business College with a degree to be a certified daycare provider. She and her husband currently have an in-home daycare they are planning to expand in a larger location.
The scholarship recipients and their families were honored at a reception after the meeting. AAUW advances equity for women and girls through education, advocacy and research. If interested in learning more about AAUW or becoming a member, go to www.jamestown.aauw-nys.org.


