JOYCE LYONS TERHES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

BACKGROUND

The Republican Women Leaders of Calvert (RWLC), organized in 2003, is comprised of professional women from all walks of life. The club is an active affiliate of both the Maryland Federation of Republican Women (MFRW) and the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW). With these state and national affiliations, RWLC is part of the largest and most influential political women’s organizations in the United States. 

The RWLC’s objective is to broaden the understanding of Republican aims in government, to increase the number of registered Republicans and unite efforts along Republican lines. The club helps to educate women on how to run for political office and provides training, etc. The club is actively involved in all legislative efforts that impact conservative issues. RWLC is a generous and active participant in Calvert County’s charitable initiatives. 

JOYCE LYONS TERHES

Joyce Lyons Terhes was born in Calvert County and lived in Dunkirk. Joyce graduated from Calvert High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia. After graduation, she taught social studies, helped develop curricula, and ended up in school administration. In the 80s, Joyce volunteered for charitable and civic groups and became concerned about the rapid growth within the County. She founded the Dunkirk Area Concerned Citizens Association (DACCA) serving as its first President. Joyce is credited with changing the political landscape of Calvert County.

Joyce gave up teaching and ran for public office becoming the first Republican woman elected as a County Commissioner in Calvert. Elected twice, receiving the most votes in both elections, she served from 1986-1994. Because of Joyce’s work, she was recruited by the State Party and elected Chairman of the Maryland Republican party serving nearly 10 years. From that post, Joyce became the Republican National Committeewoman for MD for over 10 years gaining national respect and admiration. Known as Maryland’s “Iron Lady,” she earned numerous awards. She was a founding member of the RWLC. Joyce passed in 2018.

SCHOLARSHIP PURPOSE

The Joyce Lyons Terhes Memorial Scholarship recognizes the achievement of high school students who demonstrate their belief in the philosophy and initiatives of the Republican Party and their support of conservative causes.

PROCESS:

Applications will be reviewed by the RWLC Scholarship Committee and a maximum of five (5) students will be selected for personal interviews. From this group of students, one (1) will be selected as the RWLC Scholarship Winner.

AWARD AMOUNT

$1,000. This is a one-time, non-renewal award.

AWARD RESTRICTION

This award may be applied to your field of study required for your trade or academic pursuit and used for books, fees, tuition, room, and board, or required learning tools. 

TIMELINE

May 1  Mail the completed application with two (2) copies that include the cover page, resume, letters of recommendation, and essay to:

RWLC, Attention, Scholarship Committee

CCRCC - 424 Solomons Island Road

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

May 13 Personal interviews after school. Candidates contacted about May 10.

June 3 Award Ceremony at the RWLC June 5 Meeting (6:15 pm) at Bulrushes Restaurant in Prince Frederick. Parents are invited to attend with recipient.

For further information or questions, please contact Scholarship Chair:

Mrs. Carolyn Rice (rice.carolyn6@gmail.com) or 410-610-0257