AAUW awards scholarships

On behalf of the Freehold Area Branch of the American Association of University Women, Scholarship Chairwoman Pat Armhold (c) presented scholarships to Rachel Capolupo (l) and Suzanne Harris, who have returned to college.

When the Freehold Area Branch of the American Association of University Women awards scholarships to women returning to college, branch members are impressed by the women's dedication to higher education. The two recipients of the current year are good examples of this dedication.

Suzanne Elizabeth Harris of Middle-town is a student at Kean University, Union, working toward a bachelor's degree in accounting. She plans to graduate in June 2009 and intends to work for an accounting firm that will give her the opportunity to advance in her profession. She would like to earn a master's degree in the future and become a CPA.

Married and the mother of four children, Harris has found that going back to school after 17 years has had a positive impact on her children as well as the children of relatives and friends. Her daughters especially have now become interested in going to college, as they see her determination to succeed in a predominantly male profession. She said, "with hard work and dedication you can achieve anything you want and it's never too late to follow your dreams."

Rachel Capolupo of Manalapan is working toward her master's degree at Rider University, Lawrenceville, in curriculum, instruction and supervision. She began her working career as a chemist and later decided that she would like to teach. Currently she is a sixth-grade science teacher and is trying to implement an after-school program to increase girls' awareness and interest in science-related careers.

Her goal in obtaining a master's degree is to become a supervisor of math and science so that she can impact the curriculum that is taught in her district and assist teachers in implementing it.

She said, "While I have encountered many obstacles in my effort to obtain my degree, including one year when my husband was in Iraq, I have maintained my determination to accomplish my goal and become qualified to make a greater impact on young people."

The scholarships of $2,000 each are funded from the Freehold Branch's annual used book sale in June. The scholarships are named for Lew Williams, a former member and president, and for Leila Sulkes, current member and former president.

Applications for next year's scholarships will be available in January through parmhold@webtv.net or AAUW Scholarship, P.O. Box 6302, Freehold 07728.