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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Wright-Patterson Spouses’ Club proudly awarded $28,000 in merit-based scholarships on May 1 at the Hope Hotel, to support the educational goals of military spouses and children for the 2025–2026 academic year.
The evening featured scholarship recipients, base leadership, spouses, and proud family members.
Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, attended the ceremony and praised the WPSC for being a cornerstone of the Wright-Patterson community. He acknowledged the essential role military spouses play in supporting service members and maintaining family resilience.
“What’s truly amazing is that this Spouses' Club is one of the biggest philanthropic organizations I’ve encountered within the Air Force,” he stated. “The impact you’ve made over the years—donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to military families—is staggering. It’s a testament to the spirit of service and support that defines our military community.”
Following his remarks, the evening transitioned into the highlight of the event—the recognition and celebration of the deserving military children and spouses.
The WPSC received 68 applications, each including academic records, essays, community service hours, and extracurricular achievements. Of those, only 16 were awarded scholarships, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the selection process.
Most of the recipients are pursuing undergraduate degrees in a variety of disciplines, including horticulture, English, mathematics, forensic science, pre-med, pre-law, music education, and engineering. One military spouse is pursuing a graduate degree in family nursing practice.
Several recipients took time to express their gratitude during the event.
"High school wasn’t always easy for me, and there were times when I doubted myself,” said Bianca Garay, senior at Springboro High School. “However, standing here tonight, receiving this scholarship, just makes all that much more special.”
“Thanks to this scholarship, my college tuition is covered for next fall, which is an amazing relief,” said Loic Gauthier of Beavercreek High School. “The thought of not having to pay out of pocket is honestly one of the best feelings.”
Stephanie Cronin, WPSC Scholarship Chair, also reflected on the broader impact of the evening and what the scholarships mean for recipients:
“For some of our scholarship recipients, this support has allowed them to reduce outside work and focus more on their studies during that critical first year—especially in demanding majors like engineering,” she said. “While most students will still work during college, the scholarship eases some of the initial financial burden. For others, it’s made it possible to borrow less or attend a school that may have felt out of reach financially.”
The WPSC opens its annual scholarship application process each January, accepting submissions through the end of February. Details are shared via the club’s website, newsletter, social media channels and local schools to help spread awareness to eligible students and spouses.
Kathryn Howard, a retired military spouse and longtime member, shared her reflections at the close of the ceremony.
“I’ve been involved with this wonderful club since 1997. It’s rewarding to see how my time and energy have not only impacted my life but will now benefit future generations through scholarships,” she said. “Receiving a scholarship myself makes this experience even more meaningful.”
This year’s ceremony also marked the Wright-Patterson Spouses’ Club’s 80th anniversary. Founded in 1944 as the Patterson Field Women’s Club, the organization has spent eight decades supporting military families. What began as a small community group has grown into a vital network offering social, philanthropic and charitable programs across the base.
The evening served as a powerful reminder of the club’s lasting mission. As well as the lives it continues to impact through service, support and scholarship.
| Date Taken: | 05.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.09.2025 14:51 |
| Story ID: | 497390 |
| Location: | WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO, US |
| Hometown: | WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 6 |
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