Three local students awarded scholarships through Ascena

Friday, July 15, 2016

Ascena Retail Group, Inc. is committed to the communities where it does business and helping employees' children and dependents achieve their dreams of higher education is one of the meaningful ways they show that commitment.

Three Putnam County residents -- all children of employees at Ascena's Greencastle location -- were among the 73 students selected to receive The Ascena and Jaffe Family Scholarship Program.

More than $299,500 in scholarships will be awarded to students headed to colleges across the country in September.

Kizzie Castille

Local resident Kizzie Castille, daughter of Cindy Castille, from Roachdale and will be attending Ivy Tech Community College -- Central Indiana in the fall. According to Kizzie, she is pursuing a degree in Nursing because she wants to help save people's lives.

"From a very young age, I've wanted to help others out in their times of struggle," Kizzie said. "While studying nursing, I will gain the knowledge that I need to help save others. Achieving a nursing degree opens up many possibilities for me. I can leave an everlasting impact on so many people by just simply helping them. We rise ourselves by lifting others up. Kindness is the greatest gift we can bestow upon each other.

"Being a nurse is more than just a job, it's a way of living. After I graduate I plan on attending Ivy Tech to get my associates degree in nursing, and then transferring to Marian University to get my bachelor's degree in nursing. My ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner. I absolutely love working with the elderly, so I definitely see myself in long term care in the future."

Dylan Drawbaugh

Dylan Drawbaugh, son of Pat and Diane Drawbaugh, is a resident of Greencastle. He will be attending IUPUI in the fall and will be pursuing a degree in nursing as well. Dylan is most influenced by his grandpa.

"My grandpa has always been someone I can look up to for advice and how to act as a man," Dylan said. "Ever since I was a young kid, I have enjoyed going over and working for him. He has taught me a lot about being wise with my money and how valuable it truly is. The amount of support him and my grandma have given me through the years cannot be explained. He has always been interested in what is going on in my life and has always pushed me to be the best student I can be."

Reilly Anderson

Reilly Anderson, daughter of Robert and Beth Anderson, also from Greencastle, will be attending Purdue University -- Main Campus in the fall.

Reilly described receiving the Ascena and Jaffe Family Foundation Scholarship as, "... truly a blessing to have received. Financially, it eases the burden on me and my parents. Socially, it confirms that the corporation is invested in their employees and their families. Academically, the scholarship provides an opportunity to further my education and my dreams!"

The student scholars who were awarded scholarships have varied educational interests that range from nuclear engineering and criminal justice to nursing and fashion. School selections are also broad and include schools across the country like Loyola University Chicago, John Hopkins University and University of Southern California to name a few.

Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has helped more than 650 students and, has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships. Scholarship grants range from $1,500-$5,000.

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