AND WINNER OF THE SOLTIS & BOSAK FAMILY NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

At the Annual Meeting of Branch 55 held on January 2, 2022, the Officers paid tribute to its most outstanding young member, Jillian Washco, the winner of the prestigious Soltis & Bosak Family Nursing Scholarship.  With the threat of the DELTA virus and CDC restrictions, we were limited to holding a ZOOM meeting which turned out to be a blessing because our honoree was in California with her parents, Daniel and Terri, and her sister, Ainsley–all were able to attend.  Her grandparents, Alec and Helen Washco also attended from Media, PA.   

The Officers and members were proud and delighted to meet this charming young lady.  Not only is she academically exceptional, but Jillian also devoted many of her younger years reaching out to those in need.  At the young age of 8, being diabetic herself, Jillian became a member of Pump It Up for Diabetes whose intent is to educate the public about the illness and teach those who are diabetic how to better care for themselves.  She immediately immersed herself into creating and developing new ideas for raising funds that were used with success in increasing the funds received.  Not only was she a great asset to Pump It Up for Diabetes, but Jillian also dedicated 12 years of study to Classical Ballet with the Brandywine Ballet Company.

Surely, the Lord does bring good people together.  Jillian’s membership was recommended by her Great Uncle Steve Gerba and his wife Josephine who, together were always there for family or friends who needed help.  Imagine how happy they are for her!  We are grateful to them for recommending two special people for membership in our Branch — Jillian and her sister, Ainsley.

The following is the Tribute presented to her by the President, Erik S. Payne:

“The Officers and Members of Branch 55 of the FCSU hereby honor

Jillian Washco for her outstanding commitment to community service.  She has spent her young life fund raising for a cure for Diabetes while maintaining academic excellence as an honors student and now she wants to extend her services to those who need nursing care. Thus, she is the 2021 Winner of the prestigious FCSU  Soltis & Bosak Family Nursing Scholarship.

The main goal of our society, as set forth by our founder, Fr. Stefan Furdek, is, to help our members to be good Christians.  Jesus told us how to do that when he said:

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, that you do unto me.”

Surely, Jillian is a good role model of His teachings for our young members.  And we hope by reading her story, that they will be inspired to follow her good example. We know that her parents must be proud of their daughter for they themselves have shown precedence by their own extraordinary services to the community.

Congratulations Jillian! Go forth with the Blessing of God to meet success in all that you do.

Please accept our check as a token of our appreciation.”

Jillian is blessed to have great parents who support and encourage her endeavors.  In fact, Jillian comes from a family of three generations involved in community outreach programs to those in need.  And we applaud them with our heartfelt gratitude for they are the leaven-in-the-dough, especially now when the authority of parents and family values are being attacked on so many levels.  A few examples tell us of their awareness of community needs: 

Jillian’s grandparents, Alec and Helen Washco, are spending their retirement years volunteering for community programs that serve the needy.  Jillian’s parents, Daniel and Terri Washco, support both her grandparents and their children in their charitable endeavors.  Her father (Daniel) has been serving the Healthcare Hospital in New York City for the past 18 years as Senior Information Technology Manager.

We were happy to also learn about Ainsley, Jillian’s sister, and her high academic honors and dedication to the Rustin Dance Team. We also learned about her cousin, Cole Washco, who, while still in High School and bound for college, became a Certified Fire Fighter for the Goshen Fire Company just like his father, Drew Washco, who is presently the Assistant Fire Chief at Goshen Fire Company in PA.

May God continue to bless Jillian, and her family with His choicest blessings.

Submitted by Helena Gaydos, Branch 55 Secretary/Treasurer