I love to cook!! Every chance I get, I'm trying out recipes and creating a few of my own to spice things up. My favorite food to cooks braised short ribs. My favorite cuisines are, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Greek, French-Creole, and Southern cooking. I am currently working to try cuisines from other cultures in order to expand my pallet. My passion included cooking for my friends and family for the holidays and special events. I would go way out to creat themed parties and events. I did not get paid, I would do it becuase it was something I loved. I haven't hosted or have been a part of any event for several years, since 2020 when COVID hit. In December of 2020 and December 2021, I lost my father first and then my mother to COVID. I sat home for months very depressed and miserable and did not have the energy to even boil water. I did not even go to work. Throughout the year I alao lost many other family members and friends. I couldn't stay in the house depressed, so I had to think of something to help heal my broken heart. Over time I finally found the energy and inspiration to go back to school for the one think I really loved to do, which was cooking. In October of 2023, I enrolled at the Culinary Institute Of Virginia in Norfolk Va, to study Culinary Arts. I was very nervous the first few days, as it has been over 30 years since I have been in school. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Management several years ago and have been in the same field of business all my adult life. This new venture was not only about going back to school, but also taking on a whole new career in life, which would be alot of work considering I still work full-time but I also go to school part-time. My current income is just enough for me to live and pay my bills, so adding tuition to my list would put a strain on my income. I've applied for financial aid and scholarships but because I'm not a high school graduate, many do not apply. I am currently an undergraduate at the Culinary Institute Of Virginia, enrolled in the Culinary Arts program. This scholarship would really help me pay off bank loans and money borrowed from friends and family to help me pursue my goal of obtaining an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts, in which I would finish in June 2025.

I am a 53 year old African American women going back to school to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. I am applying to this scholarship to seek financial assistance to help me complete this degree. I currently work in retail ordering parts at for my company and have been in this line of work for over 30 years. I'm also a wife, mother, a sister and aunt as well as a member of my church. I also volunteer a few hours a week teaching adult literacy. I have given my time and energy to my family, friends and community to help them achieve their life goals while putting myself last. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I will going to school part-time while still working my full-time job. The will need financial assistance to attend classes at the Culinary Institute Of Virginia, in Norfolk VA, as the total cost of tuition is $39,000. This scholarship will allow me to make payments towards my tuition without having to work overtime at my full-time job or pick up another job in order to pay this extra cost. It would be great to have some assistance on this part, as, I need the time I am not working or in class to study and do homework. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly beginning a career in the food industry. I hope to teach others in my family, community and church healthier food options and how to prepare food for themselves and their families. By doing this we may be able to cut back on health issues in our community such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. My goal is to help my family, friend and community establish healthy eating habits that’ll will eventually become routine that they can pass on their children, other family members, friends and their community. I plan to create meals. Plans that are low sodium, fat and carbohydrates and high in fiber and protein in order to maintain a healthy diet and lower the risk of long term health conditions. Please consider my application for this scholarship.

I am a 53 year old African American women going back to school to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. I am applying to this scholarship to seek financial assistance to help me complete this degree. I currently work in retail ordering parts at for my company and have been in this line of work for over 30 years. I'm also a wife, mother, a sister and aunt as well as a member of my church. I also volunteer a few hours a week teaching adult literacy. I have given my time and energy to my family, friends and community to help them achieve their life goals while putting myself last. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I will going to school part-time while still working my full-time job. The will need financial assistance to attend classes at the Culinary Institute Of Virginia, in Norfolk VA, as the toal cost of tuition is $39,000. This scholarship will allow me to make payments towards my tuition without having to work overtime at my full-time job or pick up another job in order to pay this extra cost. It would be great to have some assistance on this part, as, I need the time I am not working or in class to study and do homework. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly beginning a career in the food industry. I hope to teach others in my family, community and church healthier food options and how to prepare food for themselves and their families. By doing this we may be able to cut back on health issues in our community such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. My goal is to help individuals create healthy eating habits that will become routine they can pass on their children, other family members, friends and their community. My goal is to create meal plans that are low in cholesterol, high in fiber and protein to help people control their health issues. This scholarship would help me pursue this goal in school. Please consider me for this scholarship.

I am a 53 year old African American women going back to school to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. I am applying to this scholarship to seek financial assistance to help me complete this degree. I currently work in retail ordering parts at for my company and have been in this line of work for over 30 years. I'm also a wife, mother, a sister and aunt as well as a member of my church. I also volunteer a few hours a week teaching adult literacy. I have given my time and energy to my family, friends and community to help them achieve their life goals while putting myself last. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I will going to school part-time while still working my full-time job. The will need financial assistance to attend classes at the Culinary Institute Of Virginia, in Norfolk VA, as the toal cost of tuition is $39,000. This scholarship will allow me to make payments towards my tuition without having to work overtime at my full-time job or pick up another job in order to pay this extra cost. It would be great to have some assistance on this part, as, I need the time I am not working or in class to study and do homework. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly beginning a career in the food industry. I hope to teach others in my family, community and church healthier food options and how to prepare food for themselves and their families. By doing this we may be able to cut back on health issues in our community such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. My goal is to help individuals create healthy eating habits that will become routine they can pass on their children, other family members, friends and their community. I plan to use my degree in Culinary Arts and nutrition to help create meal plans and show individuals ingredients to use while cooking. I am praying I receive this scholarship to help me continue my education towards this goal. Please consider my application for the scholarship.

I am a 53 year old African American women going back to school to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. I am applying to this scholarship to seek financial assistance to help me complete this degree. I currently work in retail ordering parts at for my company and have been in this line of work for over 30 years. I'm also a wife, mother, a sister and aunt as well as a member of my church. I also volunteer a few hours a week teaching adult literacy. I have given my time and energy to my family, friends and community to help them achieve their life goals while putting myself last. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I will going to school part-time while still working my full-time job. The will need financial assistance to attend classes at the Culinary Institute Of Virginia, in Norfolk VA, as the toal cost of tuition is $39,000. This scholarship will allow me to make payments towards my tuition without having to work overtime at my full-time job or pick up another job in order to pay this extra cost. It would be great to have some assistance on this part, as, I need the time I am not working or in class to study and do homework. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly beginning a career in the food industry. I hope to teach others in my family, community and church healthier food options and how to prepare food for themselves and their families. By doing this we may be able to cut back on health issues in our community such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. My goal is to help individuals create healthy eating habits that will become routine they can pass on their children, other family members, friends and their community. I plan to use my degree in Culinary Arts and nutrition to help create meal plans and show individuals ingredients to use while cooking. I am praying I receive this scholarship to help me continue my education towards this goal. Please consider my application for the scholarship.

I am a 53 year old African American women going back to school to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. I am applying to this scholarship to seek financial assistance to help me complete this degree. I currently work in retail ordering parts at for my company and have been in this line of work for over 30 years. I'm also a wife, mother, a sister and aunt as well as a member of my church. I also volunteer a few hours a week teaching adult literacy. I have given my time and energy to my family, friends and community to help them achieve their life goals while putting myself last. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I will going to school part-time while still working my full-time job. The will need financial assistance to attend classes at the Culinary Institute Of Virginia, in Norfolk VA, as the toal cost of tuition is $39,000. This scholarship will allow me to make payments towards my tuition without having to work overtime at my full-time job or pick up another job in order to pay this extra cost. It would be great to have some assistance on this part, as, I need the time I am not working or in class to study and do homework. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly beginning a career in the food industry. I hope to teach others in my family, community and church healthier food options and how to prepare food for themselves and their families. By doing this we may be able to cut back on health issues in our community such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. My goal is to help individuals create healthy eating habits that will become routine they can pass on their children, other family members, friends and their community. I plan to use my degree in Culinary Arts and nutrition to help create meal plans and show individuals ingredients to use while cooking. I am praying I receive this scholarship to help me continue my education towards this goal. Please consider my application for the scholarship.

I am a 53 year old African American women going back to school to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. I am applying to this scholarship to seek financial assistance to help me complete this degree. I currently work in retail ordering parts at for my company and have been in this line of work for over 30 years. I'm also a wife, mother, a sister and aunt as well as a member of my church. I also volunteer a few hours a week teaching adult literacy. I have given my time and energy to my family, friends and community to help them achieve their life goals while putting myself last. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I will going to school part-time while still working my full-time job. The will need financial assistance to attend classes at the Culinary Institute Of Virginia, in Norfolk VA, as the toal cost of tuition is $39,000. This scholarship will allow me to make payments towards my tuition without having to work overtime at my full-time job or pick up another job in order to pay this extra cost. It would be great to have some assistance on this part, as, I need the time I am not working or in class to study and do homework. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly beginning a career in the food industry. I hope to teach others in my family, community and church healthier food options and how to prepare food for themselves and their families. By doing this we may be able to cut back on health issues in our community such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. My goal is to help individuals create healthy eating habits that will become routine they can pass on their children, other family members, friends and their community. I plan to use my degree in Culinary Arts and nutrition to help create meal plans and show individuals ingredients to use while cooking. I am praying I receive this scholarship to help me continue my education towards this goal. Please consider my application for the scholarship.

I am a 53 year old African American women going back to school to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. I am applying to this scholarship to seek financial assistance to help me complete this degree. I currently work in retail ordering parts at for my company and have been in this line of work for over 30 years. I'm also a wife, mother, a sister and aunt as well as a member of my church. I also volunteer a few hours a week teaching adult literacy. I have given my time and energy to my family, friends and community to help them achieve their life goals while putting myself last. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I will going to school part-time while still working my full-time job. The will need financial assistance to attend classes at the Culinary Institute Of Virginia, in Norfolk VA, as the toal cost of tuition is $39,000. This scholarship will allow me to make payments towards my tuition without having to work overtime at my full-time job or pick up another job in order to pay this extra cost. It would be great to have some assistance on this part, as, I need the time I am not working or in class to study and do homework. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly beginning a career in the food industry. I hope to teach others in my family, community and church healthier food options and how to prepare food for themselves and their families. By doing this we may be able to cut back on health issues in our community such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. My goal is to help individuals create healthy eating habits that will become routine they can pass on their children, other family members, friends and their community. I plan to use my degree in Culinary Arts and nutrition to help create meal plans and show individuals ingredients to use while cooking. I am praying I receive this scholarship to help me continue my education towards this goal. Please consider my application for the scholarship.

I am a 53 year old African American women going back to school to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. I am applying to this scholarship to seek financial assistance to help me complete this degree. I currently work in retail ordering parts at for my company and have been in this line of work for over 30 years. I'm also a wife, mother, a sister and aunt as well as a member of my church. I also volunteer a few hours a week teaching adult literacy. I have given my time and energy to my family, friends and community to help them achieve their life goals while putting myself last. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I will going to school part-time while still working my full-time job. The will need financial assistance to attend classes at the Culinary Institute Of Virginia, in Norfolk VA, as the toal cost of tuition is $39,000. This scholarship will allow me to make payments towards my tuition without having to work overtime at my full-time job or pick up another job in order to pay this extra cost. It would be great to have some assistance on this part, as, I need the time I am not working or in class to study and do homework. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly beginning a career in the food industry. I hope to teach others in my family, community and church healthier food options and how to prepare food for themselves and their families. By doing this we may be able to cut back on health issues in our community such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. My goal is to help individuals create healthy eating habits that will become routine they can pass on their children, other family members, friends and their community. I plan to use my degree in Culinary Arts and nutrition to help create meal plans and show individuals ingredients to use while cooking. I am praying I receive this scholarship to help me continue my education towards this goal. Please consider my application for the scholarship.

I am a 53 year old African American women going back to school to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts. I am applying to this scholarship to seek financial assistance to help me complete this degree. I currently work in retail ordering parts at for my company and have been in this line of work for over 30 years. I'm also a wife, mother, a sister and aunt as well as a member of my church. I also volunteer a few hours a week teaching adult literacy. I have given my time and energy to my family, friends and community to help them achieve their life goals while putting myself last. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I will going to school part-time while still working my full-time job. The will need financial assistance to attend classes at the Culinary Institute Of Virginia, in Norfolk VA, as the toal cost of tuition is $39,000. This scholarship will allow me to make payments towards my tuition without having to work overtime at my full-time job or pick up another job in order to pay this extra cost. It would be great to have some assistance on this part, as, I need the time I am not working or in class to study and do homework. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly beginning a career in the food industry. I hope to teach others in my family, community and church healthier food options and how to prepare food for themselves and their families. By doing this we may be able to cut back on health issues in our community such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. My goal is to help individuals create healthy eating habits that will become routine they can pass on their children, other family members, friends and their community. I plan to use my degree in Culinary Arts and nutrition to help create meal plans and show individuals ingredients to use while cooking. I am praying I receive this scholarship to help me continue my education towards this goal. Please consider my application for the scholarship.

I am a 53 year old African American women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old African American women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old African American women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old African American women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old African American women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old African American women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old African American women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

Monica Butler’s volunteer work as a tutor with Literacy for Life (formerly as Program Specialist at Peninsula READS). Literacy for Life provides literacy services to help community members function more effectively. This independent 501(c)3 organization provides individualized, one-to-one and small group tutoring for adults in reading, writing and math skills as well as instruction in English for speakers of other languages. Monica has been a dedicated volunteer at Literacy for Life since 2014. Over the years she has spent her time with the organization tutoring adult students on their basic reading skills, as well as donating supplies, attending fundraisers, focus meetings and events. Over the last 10 years, Monica has been responsible for arranging a tutoring schedule for each of her learners, as well as developing and implementing a teaching format to meet their individual goals. She has met with learners in various locations through Hampton and Newport News VA. In her early years with the organization, she collaborated her ideas with the Peninsula Reads staff to lead and develop a financial literacy program to help educate individuals, where English is a second language, understand the US dollar system. Due to her dedication to our students in our program, 8 individuals improved their reading, writing and basic money skills under her tutelage. She is a dependable and trustworthy individual that has been a joy to work with. In 2022 she was chosen to provide a teaching session via Microsoft Zoom to a new tutor. Monica’s strength and resiliency has helped her even when faced with challenges from tutors with special needs and learning disabilities. Monica has provided 120 volunteer hours to the organization over the last 2 years. The service dates include: • August 2021 - October 2021: 25 hours • February 2022 - November 2022: 30 hours • January 2023 - August 2023: 65 hours During her hours volunteering with us, Monica has contributed the following: • She has developed and implemented lesson plans, and study guides and met their individual goals to improve their reading and writing literacy. • She mentored and taught adult literacy twice a week to individuals with challenges, special needs and learning disabilities. • She has donated needed materials to students at our organization. • She has participated in fundraisers to raise money for tutoring supplies. • Continued to provide off-site tutoring after the pandemic to students in need. In addition to being a volunteer at Literacy for Life, I am aware that she has provided volunteer services as a PTA President of Cesar Terrant Middle School, formerly known as Jefferson Davis Middle School for 2 years. She coordinated and led PTA events to raise money and awareness that helped the students, staff and parents of the middle school. She was a member of the Mosaic Steel Orchestra Band Parent organization where she planned and organized fundraising events. She is a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church Children’s Ministry where she has actively fed and donated to those in the community. She is also a member of the Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WISE) at Newport News Shipbuilding where she volunteers to support their community outreach program called BLOOM where she served food to over 500 students.

Monica has been a dedicated volunteer at Literacy for Life since 2014. Over the years she has spent her time with the organization tutoring adult students on their basic reading skills, as well as donating supplies, attending fundraisers, focus meetings and events. Over the last 10 years, Monica has been responsible for arranging a tutoring schedule for each of her learners, as well as developing and implementing a teaching format to meet their individual goals. She has met with learners in various locations through Hampton and Newport News VA. In her early years with the organization, she collaborated her ideas with the Peninsula Reads staff to lead and develop a financial literacy program to help educate individuals, where English is a second language, understand the US dollar system. Due to her dedication to our students in our program, 8 individuals improved their reading, writing and basic money skills under her tutelage. She is a dependable and trustworthy individual that has been a joy to work with. In 2022 she was chosen to provide a teaching session via Microsoft Zoom to a new tutor. Monica’s strength and resiliency has helped her even when faced with challenges from tutors with special needs and learning disabilities. In addition to being a volunteer at Literacy for Life, I am aware that she has provided volunteer services as a PTA President of Cesar Terrant Middle School, formerly known as Jefferson Davis Middle School for 2 years. She coordinated and led PTA events to raise money and awareness that helped the students, staff and parents of the middle school. She was a member of the Mosaic Steel Orchestra Band Parent organization where she planned and organized fundraising events. She is a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church Children’s Ministry where she has actively fed and donated to those in the community. She is also a member of the Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WISE) at Newport News Shipbuilding where she volunteers to support their community outreach program called BLOOM where she served food to over 500 students.

I am a 53 year old women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old African American women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member of my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.

I am a 53 year old women who has worked in the business field for over 30 years. I am a wife, mother, and sister. I am a member of Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, VA and a volunteer with Literacy for Life, non-profit literacy program in Newport News, VA. In these roles I have given my time and energy to others to help them achieve their missions and goals. I have been a mother and wife for over 26 years. I have helped groom members in my family to include my nieces, nephew and other family members to provide direction and financial support. I have been a member 9f my church for over 15 years and have volunteered for many events and activities. I have been a volunteer with the Literacy program since 2015, tutoring adults with literary challenges and those who cannot read or write. I plan to take time out to go to school for 15 months to take time out for myself to achieve my goals of going to school for Culinary Arts. I was born in Virginia but moved with my parents to Pennsylvania as a child. I then moved back to Virginia in 1998 for work after getting laid off from my job in 1998 in Pennsylvania. I loved this area for the people the culture and enjoy the many restaurants and scenery. I love the many events throughout the year and the access to the beach. I recently lost both parents to COVID 19 and other health problems in 2021 and realized I need to do more with my life, so I decided to take a leap and go back to school. I am pursuing a career in Culinary Arts in order to enhance my love for cooking, and possibly begin a career in the food industry. I am considering a degree in dietary nutrition in order to help empower my family and community to eat better in order to live longer. I am excited and nervous at the same time to pursue this career change as this would be the first time attending school in over 30 years. I am currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts program to obtain an Associates Degree of Applied Science. This scholarship would allow me to pay for tuition as I pursue this degree and possibly continue further towards a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nutrition.