Helen Nash believed that everyone deserved a second chance—or a third chance—or infinite chances to succeed. She passionately supported Woodland Adult Education students, who sought to better their lives through education. Helen did not concern focus on traditional measures of success, such as grades or high test scores, but she championed students who overcame the odds to make the best out of difficult circumstances—especially young adults balancing children, jobs, and family, still making the time to complete their high school education and pursue further education.
As a tangible measure of her support, Helen established an annual scholarship awarded to deserving students who had completed their G.E.D. or high school diploma to assist them as they went on to college or trade school. Even well into her nineties, and as her eyesight failed, Helen listened to scholarship applications read to her. She especially liked to support students choosing careers in nursing or medical services—having encountered a number of those former adult education students now attending to her health care!
Before she passed away, Helen made a provision in her estate plan to ensure that this unique scholarship program could continue. “I knew it would not be cost effective to set up a private foundation for the scholarship,” said attorney Stacey Brennan, who recommended the Sacramento Region Community Foundation for establishing an endowed fund. Through the Helen Nash Scholarship, the Foundation will ensure that the door to education remains open for generations of Woodland Adult Education students.
Today, those students attend class in the Helen Nash Center, named in honor of their loyal advocate. Over the years to come, many of them will also become winners of the Helen Nash Scholarship, thanks to someone who cared deeply that they succeed.
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