Kennedy awarded 2nd AAUW scholarship

Melissa Kennedy, recipient of a $1,500 scholarship from the American Association of University Women. - Submitted photo
Melissa Kennedy, recipient of a $1,500 scholarship from the American Association of University Women. - Submitted photo

The Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village branch of the American Association of University Women has awarded Melissa Kennedy a second scholarship, citing her "pursuit of excellence."

AAUW has "awarded scholarships to outstanding local women for decades, and Melissa Kennedy is a prime example," a news release said.

According to the release, Kennedy was raised by a single father who is a military veteran. She graduated from Cutter Morning Star High School in 2018 with a 4.0 GPA. She concurrently earned a certification in Family Consumer Science Education. She was active in choir, Talent Search, Drama Club and Family Career Community Leaders of America, where she served as vice president her senior year. She participated in multiple volunteer projects while in high school.

"A high point was meeting and interviewing Sen. John Boozman to discuss educational opportunities for the children of military veterans," the release said.

Kennedy graduated from National Park College in May with an associate degree in Business. She began her studies at Arkansas Technical University in the fall semester for a business degree with a focus on digital media marketing. Graduation is planned for 2022, at which time she hopes to find employment as a brand manager or social media manager. She hopes to incorporate her photography hobby into her digital media work, the release said.

Kennedy worked as a sales associate in Hot Springs while at NPC and maintained over a 3.6 GPA.

"Her hours have been cut due to the COVID crisis, making this scholarship even more crucial to her goal of earning a college degree and meaningful employment. AAUW is so pleased to be able to assist such a deserving young woman in her pursuit of excellence by awarding her a second AAUW scholarship," the release said.

The American Association of University Women "empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research." Call the Hot Springs/Hot Springs Village membership chair, Jeanne Ginnaven, at [email protected] or visit https://hshsv-ar.aauw.net/ for more information.

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