The Chamson Committee of SSCA is pleased to announce that Brynna Thigpen of Santa Rosa and a recent graduate of U.C. Davis, is the winner of this year’s Cardinaux scholarship.
Established in 1998, the primary purpose of the Henri & Ivy Cardinaux Scholarship is to support the recipient’s well-defined and scheduled educational objective while experiencing the rich heritage of French culture in an immersive environment. Unlike past recipients of this scholarship who have gone to France, Brynna will be using the money to travel to Dakar, Senegal, where she has been accepted for an internship with Africa Consultants International (ACI). Through this project, she will participate in a public health research project focusing on how to alleviate the social stigma which often surrounds those suffering from HIV or AIDS. The internship will begin in September of this year and end in November. After her return, she will make a public presentation about her experience. (Details about that event will be forthcoming.)
The connection between Senegal and France is deep-rooted. Once a French colony and always a center of cross-cultural trade throughout the centuries, Senegal gained its independence from France in 1960, and French is still the official language of the country. A life-long Francophile, Brynna is thrilled at the opportunity to speak the French language on a daily basis while accomplishing important work that will help others. Her experience, goals, and fluency made her the ideal choice to receive this year’s award.
L-R: Joanne Sanders (Committe Co-Chair), Brynna Thigpen , Annick Bouldt (Committee Co-Chair), Morgan Sanders (Committee Treasurer)
Congratulations, Brynna. We look forward to hearing about your experience later this year.
