A Bright Future Ahead
2009 scholarship winners are full of promise
By Joanna Rustin

The turbulent economy and difficult fundraising environment were hot topics around the table at the PBWC Scholarship Committee meetings. Tasked with evaluating and awarding scholarship funds to promising high school girls on their way to college, committee members knew it would be a challenging process to distribute the limited funds this year. It’s times like these that renew my faith in the goodwill of sponsors and individuals, proving that even in these dark times, many are ready and willing to lend time and money to a great cause.

Hundreds of applications poured in from promising young women from across California. The Committee poured over their submissions, getting to know teenagers who have extraordinary accomplishments in their young lives. They’ve driven change initiatives at their schools, inspired their peers, started small businesses, contributed to their communities, worked part-time jobs, excelled in extracurricular activities and thrived in their academics (many 4.0s and better).Contrast these accomplishments with stories about enormous adversity—parents in prison, the loss of family members, grappling with major health issues, and significant financial hardships.

We’re honored to lend this assistance at a time when the need has never been greater. As we celebrate PBWC’s 20th year, there’s no better feeling than knowing that programs like these will make dreams possible for the women who will follow in our footsteps.

Join us in saluting these remarkable 2009 scholarship recipients at PBWC’s annual Conference.

$5,000 scholarships:

Tracy Hinson, St. Francis High School








Julia Velasco, East Oakland School of the Arts

Special Recognition

Just in the nick of time, the Committee learned of additional funds made possible thanks to outreach by Committee member and past Board member Marianne Bordogna and support from Virginia Madden of Madden Charities.

$4,000 scholarship:

Aoife O’Leary, Immaculate Conception Academy








$3,000 scholarship:

Molly Kim Lao, Sunnyside High School

A special thanks to all the Committee members who were so giving of their time this year. We also appreciate the generosity of Judy Cronkhite in arranging the Committee’s meeting space at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

As seen in this issue of Connections magazine:

Joanna Rustin, Founder & Publisher, Connections Magazine and President, Rustin Communications

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