The Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine has awarded eight scholarships to women who are pursuing degrees at St. Johns River State College.
Recipients of Women’s Exchange Scholarships include Antoinette Dendler, Diana Farina, Yvonne Haire and Jennifer Pennington. The Bessey Family Scholarship in Memory of Donald Bessey was awarded to Melissa Hagerman, while The Bessey Family Scholarship in memory of Christine Bessey Jonswold was presented to Neonilla Hanekom.
The Talmage-Noyes Endowment scholarship was awarded to Mary Givens, while Jennifer Cahan received the Riggle Family Scholarship.
The Woman’s Exchange adopted its scholarship program in 2000. The first award was made in 2001. Today, the Woman’s Exchange makes multiple awards annually of $1,000 each to women who are pursuing college studies to have greater opportunities in the work force, or who are returning to the workforce after being away from it for various reasons.
The Woman’s Exchange also has an award fund at First Coast Technical College to assist women enrolled in their job-training programs. The scholarship funds are derived from an annual breakfast prior to the March regular meeting, additional member contributions, memorials, and Exchange revenues from other activities. In addition to the Woman’s Exchange scholarships, there are four named awards established by individual members.
Founded in 1892, the Woman’s Exchange is celebrating its 125th anniversary of helping women achieve economic stability and promoting hand-crafting through the sale of unique items made by consignors. The organization also preserves the historic Peña-Peck House, located at 143 St. George St. in St. Augustine’s historic district. Tours are offered daily. For more information, visit www.penapeckhouse.com or www.facebook.com/PenaPeckHouse.
