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TRYON—The Second Wind Hall of Fame, an organization that recognizes retirees who have done outstanding volunteer work in the Carolina Foothills, awarded Jennifer Pittman of Columbus its “Catch a Second Wind” scholarship at its luncheon on Friday, August 23, held at Holy Cross Episcopal Church. 

The ‘Catch a Second Wind’ scholarship awards funds to an adult who is at least a high school graduate, shows extraordinary personal qualities, is a good citizen and has demonstrated a good work ethic, can demonstrate the benefit to be gained by additional training, and plans to attend an accredited public or private college, university, community college, or vocational institution.

“This year, we put out a call for people who might be interested in the scholarship,” said Second Wind President Carol Browning. “And we had a number of outstanding applications from people looking to receive additional help in getting training,” 

Pittman plans to use her scholarship money to pursue a graduate certificate in special education as a behavioral specialist. Currently, she works with the Polk County school system as a behavior liaison. 

“I really appreciate this scholarship,” said Pittman. “Ever since I came to Polk County, I’ve been working with children, and I started off working as an intern at Steps of Hope working with Ruth Richardson, who taught me so much. This scholarship paid for my classes and books for the semester, and everything I get from this, I’m taking it back to Polk County Schools.”

This was the organization’s first luncheon since 2018, and it was headlined by an informative talk by speaker Andy Haynes on the evolution and history of his family and the Town of Tryon through the decades.