The Hamilton County Federated Republican Women’s Club has awarded a $500 scholarship to Danyele Easterhaus of Westfield. Easterhaus will use the scholarship to attend the Hamilton County Leadership Academy.
“I not only felt honored but humbled by the call about winning the scholarship. I needed the financial assistance and without it, I wasn’t sure I would be able to afford the cost of the HCLA,” Easterhaus said.
The HCFRW funds annual scholarships to graduating seniors in Hamilton County who have demonstrated leadership in their school activities, excellence in academics and commitment to community service. Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman funded the new scholarship to include business women who have shown the same leadership qualities in the community.
Easterhaus has a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology and has led mechanical engineering projects at Delphi Automotive. She is now owner of dhaus photography, which specializes in senior and family photography in the Westfield area.
“I have been an admirer of the HCLA for about two years now and have been waiting for an appropriate time to submit my application,” Easterhaus said. “I love the community of Hamilton County and Westfield and have a desire to pull all the resources together to be able to effectively grow and serve in and through the community.”
Easterhaus also is the executive director of the after school program, Student Impact of Westfield, 536 N. Union St. The program serves and mentors fifth through 12th graders in Westfield to enable them to live a successful Christ-centered life as well as meet the challenges they face in a modern world.
“The information and connection with not only the classmates of this 2013-2014 HCLA, but with the connections in the county have already provided Student Impact with a voice,” she said. “I think for me, I have been amazed at meeting and talking with leaders in Hamilton County and knowing that there really are officials who care, who have deep concerns for the community. There are so many programs to assist people and a variety of persons serving all over the county, and it brings me great joy in knowing I’m partnered with them in that service to others.”
HCLA Executive Director Jill Doyle said the academy is a 10-month program that begins with a two-day retreat in September followed by monthly educational sessions held in sites throughout the county. The sessions are designed to increase awareness of the existing institutions and leaders in the county and develop personal leadership skills. Program graduates will be prepared for greater levels of involvement in the community. Alumni are often called upon to serve on boards of county organizations and volunteer their time for community development efforts.
“I am thrilled that Danyele received a scholarship to help offset the cost of attending the Hamilton County Leadership Academy,” Doyle said. “Student Impact is a great organization and operates on a small budget. Any assistance that can be provided to our small nonprofit organizations is welcomed. We strive to have a diverse group of participants each year. Having nonprofit leaders from our community in our program is a benefit to all.”
