Front Royal’s Beacon of Hope: Celebrating the 2024 Dare to Dream Grant and Scholarship Recipients

In Front Royal, an extraordinary celebration unfolded at the Dare to Dream Breakfast Award Ceremony. Hosted by the Front Royal Women’s Resource Center (FRWRC), this event marked a significant occasion: the announcement of the 2024 Dare to Dream grant and Elaine Bromfield Memorial Scholarship recipients. This year, a remarkable $13,000 was distributed among 11 inspiring women, each with a vision to enhance their lives, families, and the community’s well-being.

This year’s keynote speaker, Liz Coffey, a recipient of the 2023 Dare to Dream Grant, shared her personal journey with humor and heart. Liz’s speech, filled with gratitude and resilience, highlighted the importance of community support, the strength in overcoming adversity, and the undeniable power of daring to dream. She reminded everyone of the crucial role of daring in the pursuit of dreams, urging the audience to embrace their aspirations with boldness and determination.

This year’s keynote speaker, Liz Coffey, a recipient of the 2023 Dare to Dream Grant, shared her personal journey with humor and heart.

Liz also took a moment to acknowledge the broader community’s efforts, including first responders and volunteers, in recent challenges, emphasizing the collective spirit that makes Warren County special. Her message was clear: dare to dream, support each other, and cherish the journey, no matter where it leads.

As we reflect on Liz Coffey’s words and the impact of the Front Royal Women’s Resource Center, it’s evident that the spirit of dreaming big and supporting each other is alive and well in Warren County. The Dare to Dream program serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring women to pursue their aspirations with confidence and the knowledge that their community stands behind them, ready to lift them up.

In Liz’s words, “Dream with your heart and dare to dream,” a mantra for us all, encourages us to reach for the stars and support each other.

Liz underscored the impact of the FRWRC and the Dare to Dream program on her life, describing how the grant supported her venture and instilled a deep-seated belief in her capabilities and the community’s generosity. Her story, interwoven with gratitude, resilience, and a dash of humor, inspired all present to dare greatly and support one another in the pursuit of dreams.

Award recipients of the Dare to Dream and the Front Royal Women’s Resource Center committee members who chose them gathered for a photo during Thursday’s breakfast event. Featured in the back row, starting from the left, are Mary Kim Waddell, Melissa Saffelle, Valentina Craft, Laine Roland, Isabelle Grupac, Jazmine White, Liz Coffey, Melanie Mullinax, Janet Brome, Laura Corebello, JoAnna Martin, Joey Waters. Front row, from left, Kandi Lamb, Judi Booe and Kisha Phillips.

Spotlight on the 2024 Dare to Dream Recipients

Each of the 2024 recipients brings a unique story of ambition, resilience, and a desire to contribute positively to their community. Here are their stories:

Laura Corebello: A retired art teacher with 30 years of experience, Laura’s passion for art education didn’t wane with retirement. Recognizing a need within the homeschool community, she began offering art classes for children, combining her love for teaching and art. The grant will enable Laura to purchase a laptop, expand her classes virtually, and continue to inspire young artists.

Valentina Craft: Born and raised in Mexico, Valentina is a professional special education teacher. She turned her linguistic skills into a burgeoning business, “Colibri Spanish.” Her classes, imbued with Montessori principles, have been a hit in the community. With the grant, she plans to enrich her curriculum and offer more immersive learning experiences to her students.

Ginger Gouda: A first-year student at Virginia Tech, Ginger’s childhood split between Front Royal and Portland, Oregon, fostered her love for the outdoors. Her high school leadership roles developed her skills, which she now aims to use to teach youth about conservation. The grant will support her environmental studies, laying the groundwork for future community-focused programs.

Nimrah Khalid: After moving from Pakistan in 2016, Nimrah embarked on a journey to further her education while juggling the roles of a mother, wife, and Montessori assistant. Her dream of becoming an exceptional educator led her to pursue an Associate Degree in Education. The grant supports her academic ambitions, proving hard work and a positive attitude can overcome any barrier.

Kandi Lamb: A Warren County native, Kandi has deep roots in the community. Her project, a cookbook detailing the history and recipes of apple butter, aims to preserve her family’s heritage while supporting the Warren Heritage Society. The grant will help bring her vision to life, sharing her family’s legacy with the community and beyond.

Kisha Phillips: The founder of CARD MY YARD Front Royal, Kisha’s business brings joy to the community through personalized yard signs. Her dedication to giving back through donations and discounts for community events exemplifies this. The grant will allow her to expand her offerings, bringing even more joy to Front Royal.

Laine Roland: Owner of Awe*Struck Entertainment, Laine has grown her business from a simple DJ service to a full-fledged event planning enterprise. The grant will enable her to purchase new equipment, ensuring her company continues to provide top-notch services to the community.

Melissa Saffelle: A fifth-generation farmer, Melissa is working to revive her family’s farm, focusing on sustainable and ethical practices. Her ventures, S4 Meats, and Blooming Wild reflect her commitment to the land and community. The grant will support her educational pursuits, ensuring the farm’s legacy thrives for generations to come.

Mary Kim Waddell: An art teacher, reflexologist, and beekeeper, Mary Kim’s diverse interests converge on her passion for environmental stewardship. Using an observational hive, her project aims to educate the community about bees’ vital role. The grant supports this educational endeavor, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of nature.

Isabelle Grupac & Jazmine White: The Elaine Bromfield Memorial Scholarship recipients, Isabelle and Jazmine, are pursuing careers in physical therapy and medical laboratory science, respectively. Their dedication to their fields of study and community shines through their academic and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships support their educational journeys, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent within the community.

The Front Royal Women’s Resource Center continues to be a pillar of strength and support for women in Warren County, empowering them to achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to their community. The stories of the 2024 Dare to Dream recipients are a testament to the power of community, education, and the courage to pursue one’s aspirations.