Highland student awarded ‘Power of Women Scholarship’ at SEMO

Southeast Missouri State University student Abigail Sowash of Highland was honored with a Power of Women Scholarship March 30 during the annual Power of Women luncheon at the Show Me Center.

The Power of Women Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate a passion for a life of service, are attending Southeast full time and have completed at least 30 credit hours with a minimum 2.75 grade point average. Each recipient submitted an application demonstrating significant academic achievement, involvement at the University and commitment to volunteerism and community service. The Power of Women Scholarship Committee selected the recipients based on these factors as well as their future aspirations for success in their career and personal life. Each student received a $500 award.

Sowash is a senior pursuing a degree in nursing. She is a member of Southeast’s Student Nurses Association and the Lambda Theta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll. She is a high jump athlete on the Redhawks Track & Field team and is a recipient of the Ohio Valley Conference Medal of Honor.

Sowash is the daughter of Emmette and Jean Sowash of Highland and is a 2013 graduate of Triad High School. She graduates this December and plans to work in an intensive care unit or as a certified flight registered nurse. She wants to always be there for patients during critical times and the person they look to for support. Sowash hopes to one day return to school and earn a degree as a nurse anesthetist.

“The Power of Women Scholarship will allow me to continue to work hard to become the best nurse I can be and serve the community,” said Sowash. “As a scholarship recipient, I have been transformed to rise to the task of empowering and connecting with other women to prove that women can do great things. I hope my story can empower other women to follow their dreams.”

This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 11:24 AM with the headline "Highland student awarded ‘Power of Women Scholarship’ at SEMO."