Yuma Lance Cpl. first Marine to receive AWC Foundation scholarship

A Yuma Marine has become the first leatherneck to be awarded a scholarship by the Arizona Western College Foundation.

Lance Cpl. Andreia Hutcheson, Marine Attack Squadron 214 deputy family readiness officer, recently received the $1,000 Janice Fife Trust Scholarship for her academic accolades and pursuit of a career in the education field.

The scholarship was established seven years ago by Janice Fife, an educator in Yuma for several years, to assist “deserving students majoring in education.”

Hutcheson, 22, said she plans to become an art teacher after she earns a master of arts degree.

Though applying for the scholarship only called for an application, Hutcheson also submitted an essay.

“I plan on using the scholarship for books and school materials, anything the GI Bill doesn’t cover,” said Hutcheson.

Col. Clyde Woltman, Marine Aircraft Group 13 commanding officer, congratulated Hutcheson for her accomplishment during the presentation ceremony at the MAG-13 headquarters building here.

“I’m extraordinarily proud of her,” said Woltman. “It’s a shame she’s getting out of the Marine Corps, but all Marines get out at some point.”

The AWC Foundation, which was established in 1963, awards approximately 60 different scholarships annually.

Hutcheson intends to leave the Corps in 2010 to become a full-time student at the University of Florida.

“I like the environment in the Marine Corps and the challenge, but I want to further my education even more,” said Hutcheson. “I guess I see college as that next challenge.”

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Reprinted from The Desert Warrior, the newspaper of the Marine Corps Air Station.