Almost every woman knows someone whose youthful plans were upset during their late teen years," said Judy Kay Bard, chair of the Women for Women scholarship offered by the Elizabeth Hughes Society. "Sometimes family problems demanded full-time assistance; sometimes the young woman just felt abandoned amid outside pressures. And that is just the sort of situation Elizabeth Hughes members created this scholarship to amend. Their encouraging financial support for a high school graduate over 25 can give a jumpstart for a woman to have more self-esteem and earn independence."

This year's recipient of the Women for Women scholarship is Virginia Mae Smith-Ross. Members of the Elizabeth Hughes Society presented the award to Smith-Ross in July.

"Virginia Smith-Ross stands out, on paper or in person, with her cheerful, enthusiastic readiness for whatever life may bring," Bard explained, noting that Smith-Ross is a single mother who is new to Elizabethtown and who currently works two jobs to support her children. "She is also developing an online business selling organic lotions and healing balms. The award money will help her learn better online business strategies."

The Elizabeth Hughes Society has been awarding the Women for Women scholarship for 15 years. "Recent award winners have studied and qualified for careers long-sought or taken courses for new careers to support themselves," Bard said. "Their thank-you letters warm hearts."

Founded almost a century ago, the Elizabeth Hughes Society began with a group of civic-minded women who wanted to start a local library. They accomplished that goal and continue to support the Elizabethtown Public Library as well as other local organizations such as the Elizabethtown Fire Department and Elizabethtown Community Housing & Outreach Services (ECHOS).

The group meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 398 N. Locust St., Elizabethtown. The public is invited to the meetings, which feature programs of interest to the local community. On Oct. 28, the group will host "E-Town Live," a presentation by Tony Gibble and Clint Gibble on new trends in Elizabethtown business. On Nov. 25, the meeting will feature information on the Catherine Hershey Early Childhood and Parenting Program, which will soon open a branch at Rheems Elementary.

The Women for Women scholarship accepts applications annually beginning in the spring through June 1. Applications may be found in local libraries and churches or may be obtained by calling 717-413-6254.