A Legacy of Empowerment: Remembering YWCA Bethlehem's Women & Teens of the Year Scholarship Program

For nearly five decades, YWCA Bethlehem's Women & Teens of the Year Awards celebrated the remarkable achievements, leadership, and service of women and young women throughout the Bethlehem community. For 48 years, this beloved tradition brought together community members to recognize individuals making a difference while investing in educational opportunities for the next generation of young women.

Although the annual gala concluded after its 48th year, the scholarship program continued to award recipients through the 2023-2024 school year, the impact of this program continues to be felt throughout our community.

Recently, we had the pleasure of hearing from Karen Vasquez Ruiz, a 2015 Liberty High School Teen of the Year Scholarship recipient, who shared a little about her experience receiving the award and how that moment of recognition helped shape her journey.

In Her Own Words: Karen Vasquez Ruiz, 2015 Teen of the Year

“I remember being in class one day in my senior year of highschool and suddenly being called down to my counselors office. I was very nervous - I had never been called out of class before. Despite being the most responsible teenager, I for some reason was worried and braced myself for the worst. To my surprise, my Guidance Counselor Mrs. Clewell, was waiting with a huge smile on her face to tell me that she had nominated me for Teen of The Year and that I had won a scholarship to help me with my college expenses! I felt so happy because I really thought no one had noticed the countless sleepless nights I had put in to get into college - working on my college essays all night after long days of school, extracurriculars, studying, homework, volunteering, and babysitting my 5 year old sister. To my surprise Mrs. Clewell, despite the hundreds of students she worked with daily, had noticed me work tirelessly to apply to some of the top colleges in the country, and navigate the higher education application process as a first generation Mexican American woman, eldest daughter of undocumented immigrants, and also first generation low income college student. 

After applying to many Ivy league schools as well as local schools, I ended up getting into USC, Lehigh, Moravian, and Rice University. Despite choosing Rice University because they offered me a full ride (as I literally didn't have any financial means of going to school), I still did not actually have money for any of my books, school supplies, or even my flight there. I was actively applying for scholarships and this opportunity landed in my arms like it was God sent.

As a part of the reception ceremony, I wrote a speech and presented it at Blue Grillhouse - and it was a bit of a foreshadow of the future that I would be stepping into. 

I remember walking in there with my Spanish speaking mom, brother, and little sister and feeling out of place. Everything was so fancy and formal. I didn't even know how to eat properly, so I just nibbled on the food until it was time for me to give my speech.

It was the first time in my life anyone had actually asked me to share my voice. Of course I had talked in class, or ran for student offices voluntarily giving speeches, but this was different. My voice was trembling, and I was so nervous but it felt so good to share my story and finally be heard and seen. It was the first time anyone had asked to hear my story and it made me realize hard work does pay off, even when it feels like no one noticed.

I went on to then apply for and to be selected as the faculty speaker at Liberty's graduation and have since shared many speeches: at college as president of the Hispanic Association at Rice University, at marches/city council meetings as a humans rights/immigrants rights activist both in Houston, Texas and in Bethlehem, and even at Lehigh University as a writer/poet.

I hope to continue to always be courageous enough to share my voice, to bring justice, equity, and human rights for all the future generations of immigrants, of women, and of people who feel unnoticed and without a voice.”

— Karen Vasquez Ruiz, 2015 Liberty High School Teen of the Year

Karen's story is just one example of the lasting impact that YWCA Bethlehem's Women & Teens of the Year Scholarship Program has had on young women in our community. Over the years, the program evolved to recognize the diverse backgrounds, achievements, and educational aspirations of local students. These scholarships represented YWCA Bethlehem's commitment to making education more accessible, recognizing the accomplishments of young women, and encouraging future generations of community leaders.

While the program is looking to be relaunched, stories like Karen's remind us that a scholarship can mean much more than financial assistance. It can be an opportunity for a young woman to feel seen, celebrated, and encouraged to continue pursuing her dreams.

Looking Ahead: Honoring Our Past, Empowering Our Future

As YWCA Bethlehem approaches our 100th anniversary in 2027, we are taking time to reflect on the programs and traditions that have helped shape our organization and the lives of those we have served. The Women & Teens of the Year Scholarship Program remains an important part of that history, and we are excited to explore opportunities to bring this meaningful initiative back to our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Karen for sharing her experience with us. Her story is a beautiful reminder that recognizing someone's hard work, believing in their potential, and creating opportunities for their voice to be heard can make a difference that lasts well beyond a single evening. As we celebrate nearly a century of empowering women and girls, we look forward to continuing that legacy for generations to come.

Were you involved in YWCA Bethlehem's Women & Teens of the Year Program, or are you interested in helping explore its future? We would love to hear from you! Contact YWCA Bethlehem to learn more about opportunities to reconnect and get involved.