Pa. Federation of Democratic Women award aims to nurture political interest
Emalee Lally, a rising senior at West Chester University, received a scholarship from the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women at its annual convention.
To nurture the pursuit of public service, the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women (PFDW) awarded three scholarships at its 86th annual convention in Delaware County recently, and the recipients included a Chester County resident, a PFDW news release said.
Begun in 1958 by the estate of Florence Dornblazer, the group’s first treasurer in 1927, the scholarship program has expanded to provide $1,000 to rising college seniors who have shown an interest in politics. Among this year’s beneficiaries was Emalee Lally of Downingtown, who is majoring in political science-applied public policy at West Chester University.
Lally, treasurer of the Women’s Democratic Club of Chester County, said she found the convention inspiring. “If I learned anything, it’s that I shouldn’t be afraid,” she said. She said she came from a non-political family and first became involved in politics during President Obama’s first campaign. She said she participated in his reelection and served as a poll-watcher, a service she recommends more citizens provide.
Mildred L. Dixon, president of the Women’s Democratic Club Of Chester County, poses with scholarship recipient Emalee Lally.
Held at the Wyndham Gardens Hotel in Essington, the three-day convention was dedicated to inspiring and empowering current and future women candidates and campaign committees. Featured speakers included West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta; Ramona Romero, general counsel for the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Nancy Silberkleit, the first female executive at Archie Comics.
For more information about PFDW and its scholarships, visit http://www.pfdw.org or contact Deborah Yonick at info@yonickwriting.com or 717-891-1339.
