In 1992, the Women Involved in Scholarship and Empowerment (WISE) Women of Blair County was founded. This organization helps to empower women and fight against racism through their efforts. Annually, they recognize seven women, who each win an award in their respective category. The categories include: Arts and Letters, Business and Professional, Community Service Volunteer, Education, Non-Profit/Government, Rising Star and Lifetime Achievement.
Sophomore Rylee Bush was awarded the Rising Star award on April 17. The Rising Star award honors a woman who has had a positive impact on her community.
“It means a lot to me to be able to win this award. I have never gotten noticed like this for my community service and dedication, so I think it is really cool,” Bush said.
When Bush was notified she would be receiving this award, herself and her family had an emotional moment.
“The organization actually called my mom to inform her that I won the award. She started sobbing because she was so happy,” Bush said.
The award was given to Bush during a tribute dinner. Tribute Committee Chair Donna Gority organized the dinner and sorted through over 30 applications for the award.
“The WISE Women Tribute awards are given each year. The YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) used to do this and we have carried on the tradition,” Gority said. “It is made to recognize excellence and going above and beyond in their respective categories.”
Several years ago, Bush met her mentor and pageant director Jackie Russo through a community service organization. Bush has since collected over 500 hours of community service.
“I own and operate a service organization called Beauty, Brains and Heart, which is how I first met Rylee through one of our community events,” Russo said. “After that, she continued for over 10 years to be involved with our organization and volunteering throughout the community.”
Russo nominated Bush for the Rising Star award because of her positive qualities.
“I felt that Rylee had all of the many positive attributes necessary for this and knew she would be a great candidate for the award, so I sent in a nomination for her,” Russo said.
Russo believes Bush has a bright future ahead of her, full of success. Jackie is so lovely. She has been with me and is like a second grandmother at this point — Rylee Bush
“Rylee is extremely hard-working, dedicated, compassionate and respectful,” Russo said. “She is a very talented and beautiful young lady who lives her life with the utmost of morals and values…something I find dissipating in today’s society.”
