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The American Association of University Women AAUW Suffolk Branch is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a female Suffolk resident, graduating from a Suffolk Public High School in June 2021.

The recipient for the scholarship and her family will be invited to a future AAUW meeting, and the scholarship funds will be sent to the college of her choice as listed on the application.

The new scholarship is in memory of Fran Alwood. Fran was a charter member of the AAUW Suffolk Branch and a former Suffolk High School language teacher, guidance counselor and Suffolk Public School Board member. According to Joyce Trump, former superintendent of the Suffolk City Schools, “Fran served with distinction as a school board member. She always listened and because of her intellect she could recommend an incredible solution but always one that came from her heart.”

This scholarship is a fitting memorial to Fran’s life: as a life-long learner herself, it was her great joy to teach English as a second language, tutor and mentor young girls and women continuously during her long life. She devoted herself to family, church and education of children from all over the world, but especially those who were part of her beloved Suffolk family.

The scholarship application is available online at suffolk-va.aauw.net/branch-scholarships.

Criteria include the following:

• Maintains a grade point average of “B” or above.
• Submits a personal essay.
• Provides recommendations from two teachers (may include guidance counselor) and one non-family member.
• Provides an official high school transcript.

The submission deadline is May 21.

For more information on this year’s scholarship, contact Lisa Fore-Arcand at 757-675-5397. All other inquiries may be directed to SuffolkAAUW@gmail.com.

Those wishing to make donations to the Alwood Scholarship Fund may send checks payable to AAUW Suffolk Branch with a note that it is for the Alwood Scholarship Fund to 4041 Kingston Pkwy., Suffolk, VA 23434.