Republican women from Kane County seeking financial assistance for college can apply to be considered for the Mary Richards Scholarship Fund, offered by the Aurora Republican Women's Organization.

Mary Richards, a graduate of the Northwestern School of Nursing, served on the Kane County Board for 24 years. She was integral in the formation of the county’s Health Department and the development of its prenatal care program.


A former president of the Aurora Republican Women’s Organization, Mary was active in the Republican Party and a strong advocate of voter registration. Richards passed away in 2007.

Scholarships in the amount of $500 will be awarded.

Applicants must be female and a resident of Kane County, Ill. They must be enrolled in a two-year or four-year college in Illinois. Other conditions also apply.

Applicants also must submit a written essay of 500 words or less, answering the following: "I’m interested in better government practices because…"

Applications must be received by April 15. Winners will be announced in May.

For full details of the scholarship, e-mail pennyfalcon@sbcglobal.net.