SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN HONORS POLITICAL PIONEER HELEN BOOSALIS

The 6th Annual ” Helen Boosalis Inspiring Women” luncheon honoring political trailblazer Helen Boosalis is the inspiration for three scholarships that benefit democratic women students. The Inspiring Women Scholarship, established in 2009 following Boosalis’ death, will be awarded this year to three recipients; one from each congressional district.

“Helen Boosalis was an inspiration to Nebraska Women. We wanted to find a way to honor her while encouraging tomorrow’s female political leaders,” said Nebraska Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Mary Herres. “Previous award winners have become even more involved in local, state-wide and national political campaigns, their colleges, and their communities. Mayor Boosalis would be impressed with their dedication and commitment to democratic women’s principals.”

“The $500 scholarship will go to three Democratic Nebraska Women who are active in their community and progressive politics,” she said.

Boosalis began her political career on the Lincoln, Nebraska city council in 1959 with an upset victory. In 1975 she became the first woman in the country to be elected mayor of a city over 100,000, later becoming the first female president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. In 1986 Boosalis was a candidate for Nebraska governor in first gubernatorial election in U.S. history with two female candidates. In an interview following her gubernatorial campaign Boosalis said, “I want to help encourage people to go beyond what they think they’re capable of doing.” “You can accomplish what you didn’t dream was possible. Take a little risk. Be prepared. Set your goals high,” she said.

Applications for the $500 Scholarships are limited to Nebraska Democratic Women who are graduating from high school in 2014 and continuing in higher education or those that are continuing in higher education. Applicants are asked to submit an essay of up to 500 words about a female politician or activist who inspired their own community service and/or political involvement. Essays should be submitted by July 15 to Women’s Caucus, Nebraska Democratic Party, 421 S. 9th Street, Suite 233, Lincoln NE 68508. The scholarship will be presented at the Inspiring Women Luncheon in Lincoln, August 8, 2014.

Applications can be accessed on the NDWC website: www.ndpwomenscaucus.org , Education Quest Website or by contacting: Mary Herres, NDWC Chair, maryherres@aol.com.

Mary Herres
Chair, Nebraska Democratic Women’s Caucus
2840 S. 33rd
Lincoln NE 68506
402-617-2089
maryherres@aol.com

Those casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing will never change the world – Susan B. Anthony

 

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