Norwalk’s LWV begins scholarship program

NORWALK, Conn. – The League of Women Voters of Norwalk has initiated a scholarship program this spring.

One college-bound graduating senior from each of Norwalk’s three public high schools will receive a monetary award and a one-year League membership for him/herself and two family members or friends. Students who are first in their family to attend college were eligible to apply, and awards were determined based on high school transcript, out-of-school activities and responsibilities, financial need, and an essay.

The first scholarship winner was announced at the Norwalk High School awards ceremony on May 21: Isabelle Izoldi-Waldman. At the Brien McMahon High School awards ceremony on June 3, the second winner was announced: Josseline Zuniga.

The third scholarship winner, a graduating senior from Briggs High School, will be announced at the Briggs graduation ceremony on June 15.

“Being involved in the League of Women Voters is an act of faith in our democracy and our community here in Norwalk,” Committee member Diane Keefe said. “Supporting the scholarship is an act of faith in our youth and their ability to become active participants in civic life thereby making a difference, contributing to problem solving in Norwalk and beyond. Education empowers the leaders of tomorrow.”

Committee Co-chairwoman Lori Torrano said, “The scholarships the League awarded to civic-minded students encourage them to engage in the election process and stimulate thought about how good government policy can help with issues the students care about. I was honored to be asked to be a part of this process.”

“As a new resident of Norwalk, I joined the League after attending a weekend meeting where I found the atmosphere very welcoming and thus easy to participate in,” Committee Co-chairwoman Lucia Rilling said.

“I met new people who were encouraging and engaging. Upon being invited to co-chair the Scholarship Committee, I was honored to be in the company of several members who were willingly generous with their time and very attentive and cooperative in our mission. It was a pleasure to be able to assist in this endeavor of reaching qualified Norwalk high school students, of whom plenty possess top-caliber aptitude and go onto top colleges throughout the country.

“I also found it an opportunity to expand my awareness and understanding of the various functions relative to the League, not to mention the influence within the community. As co-chair of this committee, I extend my sincere gratitude to all my fellow committee members for a terrific experience and for exhibiting such fellowship.”

In addition to Rilling and Torrano, Scholarship Committee members include Missy Conrad, Diane Keefe, Elsa Peterson Obuchowski, Katherine O’Leary, and Mary Oster. League members voted earlier this year to initiate the program, and fundraising was entirely within the League. Next year the League hopes to do wider outreach and more robust fundraising so that the program can provide more generous support for college-bound seniors.

For more information about the scholarship program or the League of Women Voters of Norwalk, contact Steering Committee Coordinator Mary Oster at (203) 394-1710 or lwv.norwalk@gmail.com.