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Valley Stream girls program awards first scholarships

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Two Valley Stream Central High School graduates will receive the first scholarship money awarded by the Sparkle Empowerment Program for Girls, a local organization founded by Valley Stream resident Kimberly Thomas.

Kristen Spencer and Courtney Ofeimun will each receive a $500 scholarship from Sparkle, which strives to develop middle- and high-school-aged girls’ leadership qualities, encourage volunteerism and promote self-esteem while exposing participants to educational and philanthropic opportunities, according to Thomas.

Spencer is attending Stony Brook University and majoring in broadcast journalism with a minor in theater. Ofeimun studies biomedical engineering at Hofstra University with a minor in business management and marketing.

“I am extremely proud of these ladies because they are true examples of the members in our organization who sparkle with potential and future success,” Thomas said. “These two girls worked hard over the last few years in their communities as volunteers, founded clubs in their school and were both true role models in and outside of the program.”

Thomas serves as executive director of Talented Youth Development, the program under which Sparkle was created.

Those interested in joining Sparkle can visit TYDI.org for more information and an application. New members must be entering either middle or high school and live in Valley Stream or a surrounding community.