State Rep. Terri Austin praises area POWER Scholarship winners Mecca Andrews-Hill, Vonda Clemons

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Terri J. Austin (D-Anderson) today lauded two area women for receiving scholarships offered through the Indiana POWER (Political Organization for Women’s Education and Representation) Caucus. POWER is a caucus of female lawmakers in the Indiana General Assembly that focuses on initiatives that improve the quality of life for women and all citizens of Indiana.

Mecca Andrews-Hill and Vonda Clemons from Anderson received the $750 scholarships during a luncheon ceremony on Tuesday. They were two of 21 women from across the state to receive scholarships, which are designed to recognize non-traditional students whose education was delayed or interrupted.

“Through the POWER scholarship program, we are able to recognize women of distinction whose drive to succeed has overcome the challenges life has placed in front of them,” Austin said. “I cannot think of more deserving recipients than the two women from Anderson who were recognized this year. They serve as shining examples of what can be done to overcome any adversity. They are role models for their families and their community. I applaud them for their commitment to making themselves better, and constantly striving to move ahead.”

Mecca Andrews-Hill is a student at Western Governors University majoring in Management and Leadership. This is the second time she has been awarded a POWER scholarship.

“As I continue to improve myself through educational opportunities, I can pass the baton to the next young person so that they too can move forward, improve and achieve,” Mecca said in the program for the awards ceremony.

Vonda Clemons is a student at Ivy Tech Community College, majoring in General Studies.

In the awards program, Vonda said, “I wanted to show my son it’s never too late. Praying and going back to school were the only things I knew how to achieve to do this. Although I was trying to prove a lesson to my son, I ended up proving a lesson to myself.”

POWER scholarships are aimed at women who are returning to school, changing careers, and seeking advancement in their career, as well as those stay-at-home mothers entering the workplace who are in need of additional education or training.