The GFWC Vinton Woman’s Club held the annual installation of officers on May 29 at Logan’s Restaurant. The members also presented their 2018 scholarship to William Byrd High School student Julia Burek.
Each year the club awards a scholarship to a William Byrd senior based on academic achievement, community service, and overall good character.
Burek is the daughter of Paul and Diane Burek. She plans to attend the University of Virginia in the fall to pursue a career in medicine.
In announcing Burek as the winner, chosen from 19 applicants, Woman’s Club member Ardy Kidd read from a recommendation written by a member of the Byrd faculty.
“Julia brings her time and talents to several areas outside of the classroom. She participates in varsity indoor and outdoor track, is deeply involved in numerous tutoring and mentoring programs, and is a valuable participant in many service activities both here at school and in the community. She is a young lady who does community service because she feels that is what you are supposed to do for the less fortunate than yourself rather than doing it to build a resume.”
Burek is one of the valedictorians in the Class of 2018, a member of the Beta Club, and an AP Scholar. She is an active member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and its service programs. She recently received the Carilion Clinic Pre-med Scholarship, and the Blue Ridge District All Academic/Athletic Award.
Teresa Craig, past GFWC Virginia President and currently Endowment Chair for the state, installed a new slate of officers for the coming year. Amber Holdren has been named as president for a second year; Hazel Moody will continue as 1st Vice President; Judy Banik became 2nd Vice President, Camilla Cabaniss will serve as Secretary, and Kathryn Sowers and Brenda Hardy as Treasurers.
The Vinton Woman’s Club originated with 14 members at a meeting at the Vinton War Memorial on March 5, 1954.
Holdren announced that the Vinton club was recognized at the state GFWC convention where it received the award for Best Single Project—Small Business Division, for Legislation and Public Policy. Seven members of the club attended the annual convention held in Portsmouth.
The Woman’s Club of Vinton is deeply involved in the life and well-being of the community. Each year the club partners with the Vinton Police Department to plant the Pinwheel Garden at the Municipal Building to make the public aware of child abuse. They present scholarships to WBHS seniors. They deliver treats to the Vinton Police and Fire Departments each month on the eleventh day in remembrance of September 11, 2001. They hold numerous fundraisers which enable them to contribute to a wide variety of community causes, including raising over $200 volunteering at the May 25 Party in the Park on the Vinton Farmer’s Market. The club assists the Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce at many of their events. Wherever there is a need, they step up to fill it.
