MADISON — On January 18, 2024, the Thursday Morning Club (TMC) organized its annual Scholarship Social intending to raise funds for the 2024 Girls’ Career Institute (GCI) and Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation (HOBY) scholarships. A total of 60 TMC members attended this event, where they enjoyed a delightful light lunch and were treated to a captivating flute performance by Helen Kilman.
The Girls’ Career Institute (GCI) is a yearly program hosted over three days at Douglass College, sponsored by the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC). It provides high school seniors with the opportunity to engage in ‘mini’ college activities and experience dormitory living. On the other hand, the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation (HOBY) offers an annual three-day leadership seminar for high school sophomores, featuring inspiring speakers, skill-building activities, and community service projects.
During the Scholarship Social, Camryn Morales, a senior from Madison High School and recipient of the TMC-sponsored 2023 GCI scholarship, shared her experience. She expressed, “GCI was a truly exceptional journey. I found the workshops and lectures to be highly engaging, and I cherished the opportunity to connect with fellow GCI recipients and experience life on the Douglass College campus.” Helen Kilman, a junior from MHS who received the 2023 HOBY award, also addressed the gathering, stating, “The HOBY leadership conference left an indelible mark on me. Participating in the various programs and activities, as well as building connections with fellow HOBY scholarship recipients, was an enriching experience.”
The Education Committee of the TMC, co-chaired by Eleanor Flanigan and Aideen O’Donnell, collaborates closely with the Madison Guidance Department to select recipients for the GCI and HOBY scholarships, in addition to organizing and hosting the Scholarship Social.
