Staff Photo/RACHEL DOVE-BALDWIN Pictured are members and officers of the Mingo Democratic Women during their last meeting in which they presented Asia Salmons, a Tug Valley 2012 graduate, with a $500 scholarship. Also pictured seated in the front row is Attorney Tish Chafin, who is a Democratic candidate for the WV Supreme Court. Chafin is the wife of Attorney Truman Chafin, West Virginia Senator of the 6th District. Chafin served as guest speaker for the event.

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By RACHEL DOVE-BALDWIN

Staff Photo

SOUTH WILLIAMSON, Ky. - Each year, a committee made up of board members with the Mingo County Democratic Women’s club meets to review essays and applications received from female graduates within the county who applied for the $500 annual scholarship sponsored by their organization.

The 2012 winner, Asia Salmons, is an honors graduate who maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA during her high school career at Tug Valley. Salmons plans to attend Marshall University in the fall where she is considering pursuing a career as an attorney.

She is the daughter of Tammy Salmons of Kermit and Roland Salmons of Greenvillle, Ky.

The topic for the submitted essay was “How do you feel about being a female Democrat”? Salmons essay entry reads as follows:

“In today’s society, more than ever, it is crucial that Democrats work together to support our party. As a female Democrat, I accept the role that I play in building a strong future for generations to come.

My belief is that each individual, regardless of age, race, gender or religion has the same right and privilege to live the ‘American Dream.’ I believe that hard work and determination can accomplish many things. I also believe that helping my neighbor when in need is a duty that all people should embrace enthusiastically.

I am proud that in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson thought of the underprivileged children and with the assistance of others, developed a wonderful and helpful program. I am also astounded when President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act in 1935.

Our democratic leaders have accomplished many great deeds for this wonderful nation we are blessed to call home. I am proud to be an American female, but I’m even more proud to be a Democratic female.”

Board members and those who hold offices with the Mingo Democratic Women who were present for the scholarship announcement held at the Thoroughbred Steakhouse at Goody, Ky., include President Pauletta Sue Dove, Vice-President Frances Crawford, Treasurer Marty Stepp, Secretary Doris Hughes, Membership Chairman Katherine Dillon, Media Correspondent Lucinda Curry and Parliamentarian Helen Childers.

“Our organization has always supported the young women in our county as they pursue a college education, and this annual scholarship is our way of assisting with that dream,” stated Dove. “The future of our county, state and nation is in the hands of our youth and we should all do our part to give them a hand in achieving their career goals.”

For more information about the Mingo Democratic Women or to join the organization, contact the president at 304-235-0099.