The Women's Club of Manheim recently awarded scholarships to Manheim Central senior girls pursuing postsecondary education. While the club typically awards three scholarships annually, this year the members presented five.

"We just decided with everything going on with COVID, people are struggling more financially, and it was important to support as many people as we can," explained Shayna Sharp, education chair of the club. Scholarship recipients are Emmalynn Varner, Rachel King, Emma Ulrich, Eve Sheaffer and Julia Wolfe. Varner will be attending Messiah University in the fall to study early childhood education. King plans to attend West Virginia University for aerospace engineering. Ulrich will attend Dickinson College, and Sheaffer will attend Franklin & Marshall College. Wolfe plans to attend the University of Delaware to major in chemical engineering.

"These girls really stood out because of their work and volunteer experience while in school," Sharp noted, adding that applicants were required to answer several questions on their application, including how they think women should contribute to their community and who their female role model is. Applications also included references and letters of recommendation.

Awarding the scholarships gives the club an opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of future leaders, Sharp said. "We feel it's important to support these girls as they develop personally and professionally," she stated. "We recognize the importance of these young women and their contributions to our community. These are our future members."

The scholarship program is just one part of the Women's Club of Manheim's service. The group supports the Manheim community with projects including providing Christmas gifts for students in the district, offering grants and donating to local food pantries among other organizations. "Each year, the Women's Club of Manheim gives more than $10,000 to the community," Sharp said. "One hundred percent of our fundraising goes back into the community."

The Women's Club of Manheim is open to women age 18 or older, and the club is always looking for new members, she noted. For more information on the club, search for "Women's Club of Manheim" on Facebook or contact Karen Lewis, membership chair, at 717-201-0909 or klewis1835@yahoo.com.