The Glen Lake Woman’s Club annually helps incoming and outgoing Glen Lake High School students.

The graduates benefit the most — the Class of 2012 had five seniors receive $2,000 scholarships for the college of their choosing.

However, the incoming freshmen also appreciate the money, which will subsidize an orientation trip.

“One of recent applicants for one of the scholarship told me that the orientation trip — a bonding experience — was the most memorable event of high school,” said Carole Becker, who is on the club’s scholarship selection committee. “So it’s a good thing.”

The 94-member women’s group, whose objective is being devoted to worthy and charitable causes and promotion of goodwill in the community, gave out $10,000 in scholarships to five graduates recently. They were Alexandra Ayllsworth, Andrew Black, Ali Harriger, Kasey Kahler and Kayla Siwicki.

Students win a scholarship through an essay and interview.

“I just got five thank you letters from this year’s recipients ... they were heartwarmers,” Baldwin said.

Becker, who also chairs the Running Bear event, said it’s hard to pick the scholarship winners.

“They are all really impressive essays and students,” she said.

The selection committee has no idea who the applicants are as the names are blacked out by the school counseling staff.

The club raises most of its scholarship funds through its annual road race held at 9 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday in July. Last year, the Running Bear 5K run and 1/2 mile kids run drew 700 entries. Additional money comes from the $20 dues the members pay.

The club, which meets monthly except during the summer, also gives money for books to young readers in the Glen Lake School District and for the Pals program.

“Our main focus is the education of Glen Lake students,” said Dawn Baldwin, president of the club.

Nearly all club members volunteer in some capacity for the popular road race, whether it be donating time or food.

“We’ve got wonderful volunteers who run the event and all the proceeds go to scholarships,” Baldwin said. “And it’s absolutely worth it.”

The club also gives $50 to a Glen Lake student that designs the best front and back of the race T-shirt.

“I think it’s a wonder that we have such an active group of people who give up time and money to help out,” Baldwin said.

Becker, a former downstate teacher, said she enjoys the chance to help Glen Lake students.

“I love it,” she said. “And we get to see the kids over and over.

“Some of them run our race and it’s real special seeing the kids and how they are doing.”

Anyone interested in joining the Glen Lake Woman’s Club should call Baldwin at 334-4991 or Becker at 334-7363.