Riley Bodkin received the first annual Girls Who Grant scholarship. Applicants were asked to write a one-page essay on the following: What have you done and what WOULD you do to build a stronger community in Sanford? Riley and her mother Frances Dyer Bodkin joined the monthly GWG event where Riley read her winning essay.

Riley was a member of Key Club and the Environmental Club at Sanford High School. It was through these clubs that she was able to give back to the community.  “In order to alter this city into a modern, booming community, people must work tirelessly through community service.  It is our job, as young people, to make our mark on this city, just as past generations did.”

In the fall she will go to a four year school to study to be a Speech-Language Pathologist. “In this career, I would help rehabilitate stroke patients, help people overcome swallowing and breathing issues, as well as help children with speech and language related learning deficiencies. It would be my goal to work at the speech practice Springvale, a village within Sanford, to continue my journey of bettering Sanford in every way possible.”

GWG wishes Riley a bright future and will be looking for her to “make her mark” on our community when she returns. Congratulations Riley!!