OSC scholarship

Ankie Richard, OSC president, left, congratulates Elena Gartland, recipient of a $2,000 scholarship, during the OSC scholarship presentation at the Vance Club May 13 . Gartland will use the scholarship to pursue a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the American College of Education. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Frank Casciotta)

$21,000 awarded for higher education to Team Vance family

Published May 14, 2014
By 2nd Lt. Isabel Crump
71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Nine Team Vance spouses and nine high school students were awarded scholarships by the Officers Spouses Club at the Vance Club May 13.

The 18 scholarships totaled $21,000 and ranged from $500 to $2,000.

In order to win a scholarship, applicants submit a packet to the OSC. An OSC member then removes the names from the applications and takes them to an anonymous judging committee at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, said Ankie Richard, OSC president.

Among those selected was Elena Gartland, winner of a $2,000 scholarship. She plans to use the scholarship in pursuit of a master's in curriculum and instruction to supplement her job as a second-grade teacher at Coolidge Elementary in Enid. She believes that her heart-felt essay and 3.99 GPA helped her to stand out above other applicants.

The OSC conducted three events to raise the money for the scholarships. The fundraisers included a holiday marketplace, a silent auction and profits from the OSC thrift shop.