Jerry Clark Scholarship Winner
Nick Lyons, this year's winner of the Jerry Clark Memorial Scholarship, enjoys being politically involved at the grass-roots level. "I really like meeting all the people and being out there," he says. But Nick has also seen his share of the tragedy that can strike the world of politics. In 2002, he worked on U.S. Rep. James Oberstar's (D-Minn.) campaign and actively supported U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.). He was proud to be helping Minnesota's favorite son in what had become a very tight race. And then, just days before the election — Wellstone's plane crashed, killing all aboard. "You couldn't talk to me for three days," Nick recalls.
The son of Minnesota Local 4001 (Council 6) member Carol Lyons, he begins his junior year at Minnesota State University/Mankato, pursuing his political science degree. Thanks to the scholarship, Nick will be able to focus more on his studies and less on working to pay his expenses. He looks forward to part two of his "prize": a summer internship in AFSCME's Political Action Department. Nick's goal: a political staff job like those depicted on TV's "West Wing."
The Clark Scholarship, which honors AFSCME's late, revered political director, is open to the children or financially dependent grandchildren of AFSCME members. It provides $10,000 per year for the junior and senior years in college, as well as the internship with Political Action. Eligible students are sophomores with grade-point averages of 3.0 or better. They must be political science majors at an accredited college or university.
The winner is selected by lottery from the applicants who meet the eligibility requirements. Completed applications for the 2004 scholarship must be postmarked no later than July 1, 2004, with the winner announced by August 1. You can download an application from AFSCME's Web site, or contact the Department of Education and Leadership Training at (202) 429-1250.
AFSCME Advantage Scholarships: To download an application for the AFSCME Advantage scholarships, sponsored by Union Plus, go to AFSCME's Web site. The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2004.
