The West Seattle Democratic Women's Club has established a $500 scholarship available to one graduating student from West Seattle High School and to one graduating student from Chief Sealth High School in the coming academic year.

To encourage students to understand and promote provisions of the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution the applicant is required to submit an essay of up to 1,500 words analyzing one or more of these protections and their importance to our system of government and its citizens.

The First Amendment states:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assembly, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Deadline for submission to Democratic Women's Club is March 15 and the review committee will make the award by April 25. The scholarship is available to any graduating student regardless of gender, political affiliation or economic need. It is intended to assist the winning students' enrollment in a university, community college or other educational institution. Applications may be picked up from Sue Quigley, Juan Price and Kathryn Piper at West Seattle High School or from Pam Mushen at Chief Sealth High School.

Last year's winner from West Seattle High School, Jamie Rakovec, in an essay entitled "Does Free Speech Exist Today?" stated, "People may not always agree with free speech, or at least they believe that there are things that shouldn't have the right to be said, but these people I doubt understand that they are exerting their own right to try and speak out against another person's right. It's ironic, and the use of free speech for their own benefits or to state their beliefs in this manner shows simply how important to every person free speech is." Rakovec used the scholarship to attend Seattle Community College and to purchase tools required for her proposed major in woodworking, specializing in fine furniture.

The West Seattle Democratic Woman's club endorses and supports local candidates and ballot measures as well as state and federal candidates, proposed state legislation and nationwide issues. As an information and educational group, speakers at the club meetings include public officials and representatives of non-governmental organizations. In addition to their local, state and national political activities, many members are actively involved in local community projects.

Contributions to our scholarship fund are welcomed by the individuals and businesses within the community and can be made by contacting Beth Grieser at 938-5706.