Member of TN BPW/USA

2008 Non-Traditional Scholarship Winner

BPW President, Rhonda Griffith, presents Janie Marie Nicholson with scholarship.

Benton Co. Business & Professional Women (BPW) are pleased to announce the selection of  Camden resident, Janie Marie Nicholson, as the recipient of their annual scholarship for a non-traditional student.  Janie received the honor at the BPW banquet held at Country & Western Steakhouse on Monday, October 27,  in celebration of National BusinessWomen’s Week (NBWW).  Each year NBWW is traditionally celebrated in the third week of October to honor working women and their accomplishments.  At this time, Benton Co. BPW chooses a woman, 24 years or older, who has chosen to continue her education.  The award is based on need, goals and merit.  She must have at least a 3.0 GPA (Janie’s is 3.62) and attend a Tennessee or Kentucky-based accredited school. 

Janie graduated from Camden Central High in 1982.  She received her undergraduate degree in Management Human Relations from Trevecca Nazarene University. In July, 2008, she returned to her hometown to live while finishing her Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Argosy University in Nashville.  When completed, she will become a Licensed Professional Counselor.  Her goal is to create a practice to serve individuals from Benton County.   She hopes to work with victims of domestic violence, abused children and teenagers who are struggling in the community. She would also like to set up a non-profit agency to help those who do not have insurance to pay for the services they need for their families to be successful.

Janie is presently substituting for Benton Co. Schools while attending Argosy.  She will also begin her practicum in January, 2009.  This will consist of completing an internship at an average of 20 hours a week, working free for an agency providing counseling to patients.  She does all this while single-handedly raising her 8-year old son, Christopher after her 3 grown children.  Janie is a shining example of the type of woman that is the focus of BPW/USA—a woman who strives for excellence for herself and her family while overcoming adversities and hardships.  Benton Co. BPW congratulates Janie and wishes her the best of luck in her endeavors.