WESTFIELD — The College Woman’s Club of Westfield (CWC) awarded $58,000 in scholarships at its annual meeting on May 21, held at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield. The awards were presented to eight young women from Westfield to help them pursue their higher education. The recipients were selected based on academic achievement, leadership and financial need.
Altai Abrams was awarded a $7,000 College Woman’s Club Scholarship. She will attend SUNY Binghamton and intends to major in English and Environmental Science.
Caitlin Cabrales received a $7,000 College Woman’s Club Scholarship. She plans to major in Business at Jacksonville University.
Erin Doherty received a $5,000 College Woman’s Club Scholarship. She will attend Salisbury University, where she plans to major in Exercise Science.
Hannah Gerstel received a $5,000 Past Presidents’ Scholarship and a $5,000 College Woman’s Club Scholarship. She plans to major in History at SUNY Binghamton.
Shannon Gibbs received a $5,000 College Woman’s Club Scholarship. She will attend SUNY Brockport, where she plans to major in Physical Education.
Caroline Morrelli received a $6,000 College Woman’s Club Scholarship. She will attend George Washington University to major in History and Political Science.
Chloe Wiedman received an $8,000 College Woman’s Club Scholarship. She will attend Franklin & Marshall College, where she will major in Business.
Skyler Schaible, a 2023 scholarship recipient, was awarded an additional $3,000 Grant in Memory of Katharine Jaruzelski and a $7,000 College Woman’s Club Scholarship to continue her education at Coastal Carolina University, where she plans to pursue Nursing.
“This year’s graduates began high school during the isolation of Covid and finished with a faulty FAFSA rollout that seriously hampered their quest for college funding,” said CWC Scholarship Chair Jennifer Jaruzelski. “Through all these challenges, they have emerged with a remarkable sense of resilience, teamwork and optimism. We wish them continued success as they pursue their college and career goals.”
Scholarship applications are available through local high-school guidance departments in February of each year and are evaluated by a committee of CWC members each spring. Funds for scholarships come from membership dues, community sponsorships, fundraisers and legacy bequests from members.
Founded in 1917, the College Woman’s Club is an intergenerational organization devoted to educational opportunities and lifelong learning for women. In addition to awarding scholarships, the club hosts social and cultural events, including college- admissions seminars, book clubs and museum trips. For information on scholarships or membership, visit www.cwclubwestfield.org or contact cwc.westfield@gmail.com.
