The Ophelia Scholarship
Girls who give their time to Club and Camp Ophelia offer a special gift to others: themselves. Over the years, I have met many talented, energetic, and creative junior and senior high school girls who worked diligently to make my programs a success, so the idea of a scholarship came naturally. In 2007, I awarded the first Ophelia Scholarship to help a graduating senior attend college. Each May, I plan to continue honoring all applicants at a scholarship luncheon—a small way of showing them how important they are, and how much they have to offer the world.
To apply for the scholarship, you must be a graduating senior who worked at least one semester as a trained mentor in either Club or Camp. One of your two letters of support must come from your Club/Camp Ophelia Director, along with an essay that describes your experiences as a mentor. If you are eligible to apply, please contact info@timeforteens.org for an application packet.
In her winning essay, 2008 Ophelia Scholarship winner Kelly French from Spring-Ford Senior High School in Royersford, PA, wrote:
I never thought Club Ophelia would teach me as much as it did, thus adding reason to be proud of it. I learned that you could grow shockingly close to any girl, no matter their age or background. You can become so close you cry writing them their last journal entry or laugh forever about nothing at all. To be truthful, you leave Club as no longer a mentor and mentored, but as loving friends. I constantly think about them and they have become a major part of who I am today.
2007 Ophelia Scholarship winner Linsey Shakespeare (Lower Dauphin Club Ophelia in Hummelstown, PA) wrote about the many changes she observed during her time as a mentor:
For example, instead of making a rude comment when a relational aggression experience occurred, the girls learned to think it over in their heads and decide to “walk away” from the situation. This showed extreme progress in the “bullies.” The shyer girls learned to feel secure about themselves. Observing these results, I knew my efforts had contributed to make the girls learn and become better people. This showed me that I had a positive effect on them. This became my ultimate reward from being a part of Club Ophelia.
