Pictured from left to right are Jenna Johnson, Empowerment Camp attendee; Brenda Lewis, scholarship chairperson; Taylor Kassman and Stacy Chase, scholarship winners; and Victoria Howell of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation.

The Chadwick Bay Chapter of New York State Women Inc. met at Manning’s Fireside Manor for the presentation of the annual scholarships and new endowment of Empowerment Camp for Teenage Girls.

Recent retiree of Empire State College, Dr. Catherine McAllister was the guest speaker. She spoke of the numerous courses available for non-traditional students. Online courses are challenging since the student has to self disciplined to ensure completion of requirements.

Victoria Howell of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and Brenda Lewis, chairperson for the Scholarship Committee, presented Taylor Kassman of Westfield and Stacy Chase of Conewango Valley with certificates and ceremonial checks for their fall courses. Chase is attending SUNY Empire State College (Saratoga Springs) (Online) studying psychology for a bachelor’s anticipated degree in the winter of 2021. Kassman is attending SUNY Fredonia for Adolescent English Education for an undergraduate degree anticipated in May 2021.

The Empowerment Camp is an opportunity for teenage girls to attend summer camp in Delavan for approximately one week. The young women learn how to be self confident, realize her value, encouraged to stand up, stand out, and to take risks by trying new things. The group announced, Jenna Johnson of Brocton, was awarded this opportunity. Jenna is a BCS student who just completed her eighth grade year as the valedictorian of her class. She is in the Junior National Honor Society. and enjoys baseball, soccer and basketball. She is looking forward to the Empower Camp to build her confidence and make new friends.

The chapter enjoys this event because it gives members a chance to meet the scholarship recipients and talk to them about their plans as non-traditional students. As an organization that focuses on helping women to improve their lives professionally, politically and personally the Chadwick Bay Chapter Scholarships are one way to achieve that goal. Each year the Chapter has applications available through the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation beginning in January. If you are a non-traditional female student or you know a non-traditional female student, the Chapter would like to invite you to apply for the scholarship.

A regular business meeting was held after dinner. Chadwick Bay members are planning their summer picnic which will be held in at the Brocton Community Park on July 16 at 6 p.m. Members are to bring a dish to pass.

Recently, members enjoyed the company of the WCA residents and shared ice cream sundaes and cookies. Bingo prizes that consisted of word search, scarves and adult coloring books were awarded.