PIOSC contributes funds to community, youth

14 May 2004 | Lance Cpl. Brian Kester Marine Corps Training and Education Command

The Parris Island Officers' Spouses Club awarded its annual scholarships to military families and donations to community organizations Wednesday.

This year's total far exceeded that of the last, with a total of $9,700 in scholarships and philanthropic donations.

A vast majority of the funds raised by the club for this year came from last fall's
craft fair and the 12th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament that took place April 30.

"This opportunity to contribute to the education of our spouses and students, as well as donate to deserving organizations in our community, is a proud culmination
to our year," said Wendy Walker-Fox, PIOSC president.

The top scholarship recipient was Matthew Manthe, son of Col. Brian Manthe, Assistant Chief of Staff Recruiting, H&SBn. Matthew won a $1,000 scholarship.

"I was happy to be given the opportunity to apply for the scholarship, and that I was also able to take advantage of it," said Manthe.

While ultimately the effort was all his, he gives credit to his parents, who he said taught him good work habits and pushed him to accomplish his goals. Those work habits prepared him for his future and are a key ingredient the PIOSC looks for when awarding
scholarships to deserving students.

"The scholarships will provide much needed help to most of the high school students, as some of them will have to pay for college themselves," said Susan Jordan, PIOSC board member and scholarship chairman. "Any amount is beneficial to them."

High school students were not the only ones receiving scholarships from the PIOSC this year.

"I was very happy to see that we offered the scholarships to military spouses," said Jordan. "For them it can be hard to get scholarships, because they usually attend college part time."

The PIOSC does not stop at extending a hand to service members and their families. They also give money back to the community through various organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Beaufort Humane Association.

"We provide donations to military organizations as well as organizations out in town," said Jordan. "It is a way to show appreciation for what they do for us and put some money back into the community."

"It's a tremendous feeling being able to donate not only to our military organizations and schools, but to also help contribute to the organizations in our local community that promote music and art, help at-risk youth and animals, and assist terminally ill people," said Kathy Hulbert, PIOSC philanthropy chairman.

The PIOSC also extends its thanks to all of the efforts of people who made the donations and scholarships possible.

"The scholarship committee put in a tremendous amount of time and effort," said Jordan. "Many thanks to Amy Mize, Yvette Shaffer, Michelle Allen and Muffy Pugliese for their contributions."

Marine Corps Training and Education Command