La Plata High School junior receives Zonta Club award

Lauren Wathen, a junior at La Plata High School, received a $500 scholarship through the Zonta International Young Women in Pubic Affairs (YWPA) awards program at a Zonta Club of Charles County breakfast held Tuesday, April 22 at the Waldorf Jaycees Hall.

Wathen was chosen for the award for her participation in community organizations, such as the Maryland Leadership Program, and for her efforts in the "Best Buddy" program at La Plata. The "Best Buddy" program is a student- to- student program in which peers provide interaction with students with learning disabilities to help enhance social and learning opportunities. Wathen also submitted an essay as part of her application that the impact of genocide in society and used Darfur, Sudan, as an example.

Donna Clark, the president of Zonta Club of Charles County, said Wathen's essay was impressive and the judges were "blown away" by her maturity and ability to write about complex social issues.

"It humbles us to hear the things that you have done and the things that you will do with this award in the future," Clark said during the presentation of Wathen's award. The award recognizes women who participate and volunteer in their community, serve as a leader in the community and are dedicated to the advancement of women. The award is given annually to a pre-university or pre-college female student who shows commitment to leadership in the areas of public policy, government and volunteer organizations.

Wathen said she plans to study business administration at a four-year college or university in the Maryland or Virginia area. Zonta International has given more than 465 Young Women in Public Affairs awards to women from 47 countries. The worldwide service organization of executives in business professions has nearly 33,000 members. The organization seeks to provide service, and improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women.