MCABW awards five scholarships to Montgomery County women

UPDATE:

The Montgomery County Association of Business Women (MCABW) demonstrated its motto of "Women Helping Women" by awarding five scholarships to Montgomery High School students and one of its members, at the MCABW luncheon April 22.

Awarded one of the $1000 scholarships for pursuing a higher education, was Carolyn Gerken of A-Plus Services. Gerken, an Oak Ridge North resident, is currently attending Liberty University to obtain a degree in Christian Counseling.

"Upon completion of this degree, I want to work with foster children," said Gerken. "I want to thank the MCABW for awarding me this scholarship so that I can continue to pursue my dream."

Also awarded $1000 scholarships were four young women four Montgomery County High Schools.

The four Montgomery County High School students receiving the MCABW scholarships are as follows (in alphabetical order):

Quinn Burns of Conroe High School, Academy for Science and Health Professions, will be attending Texas A&M to pursue a degree in computer science.

Hanna Chute of Caney Creek High School, who will be attending Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in Agriculture Communications and Journalism, with the intention of working on publications for cattlemen and horse breeder organizations, as well as social media exploitation.

Cassie Mohkami, also of Conroe High School, the Academy of Science and Technology, will be studying geophysics at Texas A&M, with the hopes of working for a major oil and gas corporation like ExxonMobil.

Lauren Swasta, of Montgomery High School, will be attending the University of Texas at Tyler, to pursue a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in nursing to become a neonatal nurse practitioner.

"We're proud of all of these women who received MCABW scholarships, and pleased to be able to do this, to make a difference in their lives and in the community," said Carol Gooch, founder and Executive Director for the MCABW.

The MCABW awards the scholarships on a review basis, from applications received from the applicants. Although grade point averages have a bearing on the selection basis, other factors are taken into consideration like financial need and a willingness to give back to the community upon graduation from college. Future applicants for MCABW scholarships can apply through the MCABW website at the link provided.



ORIGINAL STORY:



MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- The Montgomery County Association of Business Women (MCABW) will announce its annual scholarship winners at the group's monthly luncheon on Tuesday, April 22, at the Incredible Pizza Company. The meeting, open to the public, will be hosted from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 230 South Loop 336 West in Conroe, Texas (77304). MCABW offers scholarships to young women who are graduating from a high school in the county, and who have chosen to pursue a degree at a Texas university. The organization also offers scholarships to MCABW members who might want to change careers or advance their business.

Carol Gooch, founder and executive director of the MCABW, explained that the scholarship program was designed to encourage young women to pursue careers in business.

“We believe that helping young women in business will help provide future leadership for all of Montgomery County,” she said.

The April luncheon will mark the sixth year of the scholarship program, and the group hopes to expand the program in the future. Tickets are sold at the monthly luncheon for the door prizes, to benefit the scholarship fund, but the MCABW was able to increase the amount of the scholarships and the number awarded, with the publishing of the first MCABW Cookbook. This past year the Scholarship Team put together the cookbook, spearheaded by team leader, Amy McMeekan Gregorcyk, and co-team leader, Courtney Weidner, with all the proceeds from the sales of the book going to the Scholarship Fund.

“We look forward to helping more business women every year,” said Gooch.

The MCABW organization provides a forum for local businesswomen to develop and enhance professional and personal relationships with their peers. In addition to their monthly luncheon, the nonprofit organization holds a mixer the second Thursday of each month, and a monthly breakfast meeting on the first Tuesday of the month.

Visitors are invited to attend two MCABW events before joining the organization. For more information about MCABW, call Carol Gooch at 713-256-8002, or view their website at the link provided.