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Les Soeurs Amiables Civic Club Awards Scholarships

Jun 30, 2021

From left are recent Beacon High School Class of 2021 graduates Victoria Banks and Angelica Hibbert. The two young ladies were recipients of this years Les Soeurs Amiables Civic Club Scholarships. A third recipient, Jessica Spadafino, is not pictured. The yearly scholarships are based upon candidates’ acceptance to a two or four year college, desire to make a positive change within their community as well as 500 word limit essay, focused on their hopes, dreams, and aspirations, how they have positively impacted the community and why they should be one of the recipients of the scholarship.

By Jennifer L. Warren

BEACON – “I made it,” affirmed recent Beacon High School graduate Victoria Banks.

After enduring a host of issues throughout her life, Banks is quick to credit perseverance, familial support, faith and God with making it through her school journey. A Pastor’s daughter as well as member of the Varsity Golf Team, Banks is headed to Dutchess County Community College, focusing on photography and film studies. Thanks to the Les Soeurs Amiables Civic Club, she will now have some helpful financial assistance. Named as one of the three Scholarship recipients by the all-women community service and youth-focused organization, Banks is extremely grateful.

“This scholarship means a great deal to me,” said Banks. “I never thought I would get this kind of support, and it is so very encouraging.”

That special level of support was increased even more during this especially unique Pandemic year. Due to COVID restrictions, the Annual Scholarship Luncheon, which serves as a pivotal monetary means of the scholarships, was cancelled. However, the Beacon community came together, providing critical donations and support and enabling the three scholarships to stay alive.

“We are so very appreciative for all of the community donations and support,” said Dorothy Medley, Secretary and Treasurer for Les Soeurs Amiables. “We are a small organization in number, ten women, but very big in heart.”

Honoring “unsung heroes” in their community, the Civic Organization is affiliated with the National Association of Colored Women’s Club Inc. (NACWC), bearing the distinction of the oldest organization in the United States. The Annual Scholarship process and presentation are events they eagerly look forward to and take incredible pride in each year.

“Our biggest joy is to encourage young people to go forward,” said member Barbara McCaskill. “We love to recognize their accomplishments, and if college bound, provide them with a little extra money to help them out.”

In addition to Banks, Angelica Hibbert and Jessica Spadafino were also selected as this year’s recipients. Candidates were chosen based upon their essays. More clearly, their community service and commitment to future goals were key determining factors, Hibbert, deeply involved in her Beacon community was also extremely appreciative for her selection as one of the winners.

“This was a blessing, to know that your community is there to support its students,” said Hibbert, a member of the National Honor Society, who has spoken at a Beacon City School Board meeting and is headed to Marist with a major in Biology in the fall as well as aspirations to be a dermatologist. “I now want to give back even more to my City of Beacon, and I want to also thank God for this opportunity.”

Plans have already been made for next year’s in-person Scholarship Luncheon. It will take place on April 23, 2022 at the Villa Borghese in Wappingers Falls.