National Scholar, Community She-ro

Each year, the Girls Inc. National organization gives juniors and seniors an opportunity to apply for their national scholarships.  The Scholars Program was created in 1992 when Lucile Miller Wright, a long-time supporter of Girls Incorporated, made a bequest from her estate to fund scholarships expressly for young women members. Since 1993, Girls Inc. has awarded $2.58 million in scholarships to 413 high school women. Multiple scholarships ($2,500 and $15,000) are awarded each year and may be applied to tuition and expenses at any accredited 2- or 4-year college or university. This is a private scholarship, open only to young women who are in the 11th or 12th grade and who are members of a Girls Incorporated affiliate. 

 This year, "Alex" was one of ten girls selected by Girls Inc. National for a $15,000 scholarship.  She was one of twenty-eight who was selected overall.  

“My involvement with Girls Inc. has changed my life, and has made me a better friend, daughter, student and overall human being.  I never expected I would be impacted in this way, but this my truth.”

Alex is a senior at Trimble Technical High School in Fort Worth.  She is in the top 5% of her class, the Student Body President, Deputy Corp Commander for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), Vice President of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), and a member of the National Honor Society.  She is a 4-year member of the Armed Drill Team which is one of her favorite activities.

 “All of these experiences combined with what I’ve learned with Girls Inc. have given me the confidence and stamina to accomplish my goal of becoming a nurse.”

Alex has been a Girls Inc. member for over two years.  In that time she has participated in several activities and programs.  Most notably, she was a member of the Corporate Camp team who won a trip to New York City this summer for their creation of a product called “Sensor-E earphones” which were designed to enhance the safety of a runner while exercising outdoors.  As the CEO of the business, Alex led her team to develop a detailed business plan.   

“Corporate Camp taught me how to be an effective communicator. I learned that all good leaders are good communicators and a key element in communication is listening.  Girls Inc. has made me a better leader.”

Alex is inspired by her parents who have worked very hard to ensure their children received the best opportunities in life. Alex is grateful for all her parents have done to support her endeavors.  This Fall, Alex will be the first in her family to attend college. 

Alex is also inspired by her Girls Inc. mentors and peers.  She has become familiar with the Girls Inc. Bill of Rights and the one that has impacted her most is “I have the right to take risks, to strive freely and to take pride in success.” 

“I understand why I have been led to discover my dream; because I follow the Girls, Inc. Bill of Rights. By following this belief, I am never afraid to try new things.  New opportunities require courage and fearlessness. I am not timid about expressing my achievements and taking pride in my accomplishments.  Girls Inc. has helped me do this.”

Alex feels it is important that young girls know they are special.  She knows that every girl has the potential to be successful.  She shares this affirmation with the young girls she meets at the Girls Inc. program.  In addition, she tells them that each small goal achieved is a step closer to success.  Alex is constantly working to put herself in the best position for the next step in her life and she encourages the girls around her to do the same.       

“I have had many “ah-ha” moments in my time at Girls Inc.  I am truly grateful for all of them and as I continue to pursue my dreams and get my education, I will always look back and remember these defining moments in my life.  The wisdom I have gained will be shared with others so that the legacy of Girls Inc. may not only live within me, but live vicariously through others.  This is my truth.”

Congratulations, Alex!  We are proud of you and we look forward to celebrating many more successes with you.