Wilmington, Del. (November 8, 2019) – The Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation (“Fresh Start”) held its 23rd annual Rising Stars event on November 6 at the DuPont Country Club. Fresh Start, which provides undergraduate scholarships to Delaware women returning to college, was proud to celebrate each scholar by introducing them to 200 guests in attendance on Wednesday evening. Fresh Start scholars attend various Delaware colleges and universities, with majors in business, social services, healthcare, education, and more.
Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and First Spouse and Fresh Start Advisory Board Member Tracey Quillen Carney shared opening remarks. Michele Whetzel, Board President, introduced Sherry Dorsey Walker, Delaware State Representative, who was the event’s keynote speaker. Representative Dorsey Walker shared how education, passion, and perseverance led to her career in public service. She applauded the scholars for their grit and determination, and encouraged them to continue on their path with conviction and humility.
After all of the scholars were introduced, Amanda Baker, who is a Fresh Start scholar graduate, spoke about how the Fresh Start funds helped her not only gain her degree, but helped her gain the confidence and the higher salary she needed to independently support her family. Additionally, Amanda expressed her gratitude for the role her Fresh Start mentor played in championing her success. The Rising Stars event concluded with networking and raffles.
Michele Whetzel, Board Chair, remarked that, “Fresh Start is really something special, because we are helping women earn something that can never be taken away – and that’s an education. We are grateful to our generous sponsors and supporters who help us improve the lives of women through education.”
Proceeds from this year’s Rising Stars event are projected to surpass fundraising goals and will benefit scholarships for future Delaware women in financial need. Scholarship information for the 2020-21 academic year is available on the website (www.freshstartscholarship.org).
About Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation
The Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to women returning to college based on need, academic record, and motivation to succeed. Their mission is to help women who have faced personal and economic challenges who seek to improve opportunities for themselves and their families through education. Since 1996, Fresh Start has awarded 555 scholarships totaling over $1.1 million to women across Delaware. For more information, visit www.freshstartscholarship.org.
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