The Oaks Women’s Club Scholarship Committee announced yesterday that 16 young women receiving diplomas from Sarasota County high schools this Spring have been awarded $5,000 scholarships to assist them in their college journey. “These outstanding women were selected based on their exceptional academic ability, financial need and leadership skills both within their schools and the community at large.  The financial need this year was greater than ever, so it was vital that the global pandemic does not impede our mission,” said Oaks Women’s Club Scholarship Chair, Beth Gehring. Scholarship Co-Chair Marti Byers added, “The Oaks Club community has been so generous in supporting our fundraising activities. As a result, renewal scholarships will be offered to the 2020 recipients if they have maintained a 3.0 GPA during their freshman year.”  Since the first scholarships were granted in 2002, over $730,000 has been awarded to 156 young women to help them reach their educational goals.