Savannah, GA—Armstrong Atlantic State University has established the Savannah Classic Club Scholarship for females, ages thirty-five years or older, who have returned to school to pursue a certificate in gerontology or a degree in nursing. The first scholarship will be awarded this fall in the amount of $1,000.

The scholarship is made possible thanks to a donation from the Savannah Classic Club, a group of senior women who share their talents with civic groups, churches, community organizations, and residents of nursing homes. The group's variety showcase features singing, dancing, music, humor, and more.

The club financially supports local non-profit organizations and charities with money generated by its pageants. This year attendance at the pageant nearly doubled from previous years resulting in an increase in funds.

"This pageant brought in enough money to establish a scholarship for women in the health field," said Shirley Turner, president of the club and Miss Senior Savannah 2001. "We are excited to be able to support older ladies because we are older."

Members of the club are former participants of the Miss Senior Savannah pageant, at least sixty, and a positive example of aging. The club was organized in the mid-90s with three members and now boasts a membership of twenty-one. The group's charitable giving primarily supports breast cancer research.

For more information about the Savannah Classic Club Scholarship, call AASU's External Affairs office at 912.927.5263.

April 3, 2003