Freeport, Bahamas - Grand Bahama American Women's Club (GBAWC) members and guests assembled for the first luncheon meeting of 2010 in an air of excitement and anticipation on Monday, January 11.

Several visiting guests were present; however, the special guests were 16 students — the 2009 scholarship recipients of the GBAWC.

Scholarship awardees from: Bishop Michael Eldon School, Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy, St. Paul's Methodist College and Grand Bahama Catholic High School were introduced by Ann Bain, GBAWC first vice president.

Several of them took to the podium, presenting themselves with poise and confidence in their crisp, neat school uniforms. They expressed appreciation for the financial assistance provided and what the award means to them, their families, and the GB community, as well as the impact of the scholarship award upon their future goals.

SLIDE SHOW: Scholarship recipients speak at the GBAWC Luncheon.

Following the remarks of each student it became obvious, to the attentive audience, that these students were truly deserving of their awards and in so doing recognized the importance of continuing to fund such GBAWC endeavours and commitments.

The primary source for continued funding of this scholarship program is an annual golf tournament, The Home Center Classic. For the seventh year the GBAWC is teaming up with The Home Center and the Our Lucaya Reef Golf Course will once again be the venue on Saturday, February 20, 2010.

This is a very large undertaking and our scholarship students were amazed to hear requests made by committee chairpersons for volunteers. Many of them have helped on the day of the tournament, but now they have a glimpse of all the work required for such an event.

Left with the inspiring, heartfelt remarks made by the scholars, members and guests were motivated, armed and ready to go into the community-at-large for support and participation in making a difference in the lives of Grand Bahama youth by supporting the Seventh. Annual Home Centre Classic on February 20.

To that end GBAWC extends an invitation to all members of the community, visitors, business owners, churches and other organizations to participate in this very worthy fund-raising event by signing up as a sponsor, donating services, prizes and gift items as well as participating as a golfer.