Allison Tamboline, a June graduate from Valencia High School, has received a $1,000 Young Women in Public Affairs scholarship from Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley.

Tamboline was chosen after much deliberation from the seven impressive young women who submitted applications this year, according to committee chair Gloria Mercado-Fortine.

The award is given annually to a young woman in the local community who exemplifies Zonta's mission of advancing the status of women.

The local winner is advanced to district-level competition, where that honoree is sent on to international competition. Intent of the program is to encourage young women to enter public service.

Tamboline is not only a gifted musician, but she has also demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities. Through her many activities, Allison has helped to advance the status of women not only in her school but also on an international level.

She has been involved with the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program as well as the World Leadership Congress in Washington D.C., where she met and worked with peers from around the world. She is currently president of Invisible Children of Uganda Club and participated in Lobby Day for Africa.

According to her scholarship application, Tamboline believes the most critical problem limiting the advancement of women worldwide is the lack of education. She believes that investing in women now will enable women to grow and educate others.

"The caliber of applicants for this year's award was impressive," Mercado-Fortine said. "As this year's Young Woman in Public Affairs recipient, Allison exemplifies the level of candidates who applied for the award."

Mercado Fortine chaired this year's committee, with assistance from co-chair Bernie Gilbert.

Committee members included Cindy Kittle and Danise Davis. The committee developed a personalized application packet which was sent to the head counselor at all high schools in the William S. Hart Union High School District.