St. Charles Companies Announces 2013 Scholarship Winners
Four young St. Charles residents have been named the winners of the 2013 St. Charles Community Scholarship awards, funded annually by the St. Charles Companies and conducted in cooperation with the Charles County Scholarship Fund.
Quianita Miller, Alessia Parks, Samantha Wood and Henry Buntz have each been awarded $500 scholarships for the 2013-2014 school year.
Ms. Miller, who will graduate from North Point High School, plans to attend classes at Hampton University, seeking a degree in Biochemistry. In addition to being on the High Honor and Principal's Honor student list at North Point, Ms. Miller is a recipient of the All-America Scholar Award, and was recognized by the United States Achievement Academy for excellence in mathematics.
Mr. Buntz, also a North Point student, plans to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park. During his high school career, Mr. Buntz, an Eagle Scout, earned Principal's Honors, was named a scholar athlete in 2010 and 2011, and an AP Scholar in 2012. Mr. Buntz is a member of the National Honor Society.
Ms. Wood, who will graduate from Westlake High School, plans to major in Biochemical Engineering. In high school, Ms. Wood earned Principal's Honors, numerous departmental awards, served as the captain of the Westlake “It's Academic” team, and was president of the National Honor Society.
Ms. Parks, who will graduate from North Point High School, will be attending the College of Southern Maryland to study Information Technology. Ms. Parks earned Principals Honors for each of her four years at North Point, was a member of the National Honor Society, and was a National Gold Medalist in the Skills USA Quiz Bowl, a national competition that tests competitor’s knowledge on various aspects of general academic knowledge, professional development, and current events.
"We are proud to honor these outstanding St. Charles students for their accomplishments,” said Alan Shearer, CEO of The St. Charles Companies. “These young people, and the many, many applicants we reviewed, represent the best and brightest of our community, and we hope these scholarships will help foster their continued academic and personal development.”
Each year, St. Charles awards $500 scholarships to St. Charles students, through applications submitted via the Charles County Scholarship Foundation, Inc. The St. Charles Companies is a proud supporter of many non-profit educational initiatives, as well as the Charles County Public Schools and the College of Southern Maryland.
Charles County Arts Alliance Awards Annual Arts Scholarships
For over 15 years, the Charles County Arts Alliance (CCAA) has awarded Arts Scholarships to one qualifying graduating senior at each of the Charles County public high schools. The scholarships help students continue their visual, performing and literary arts studies at college leading toward careers in the arts. In June 2013, the CCAA announced the recipients for this year's Arts Scholarships ($1000 each), and presented the scholarships in person at the annual senior awards ceremonies of these high schools.
Awards were presented to Amber Rabie of Henry E. Lackey High School, Sarah Cheney of La Plata High School, Paige Wearmouth of Maurice J. McDonough High School, and Murugi Thande of North Point High School.
Amber Rabie has an outstanding resume. Her grade point average stands at 4.5 on a weighted scale while taking seven AP courses. She has been on the Principal's Honor Roll since 2009 and is a current member of the National Honor Society. She was awarded the Maryland Scholar Athlete Award for both lacrosse and swimming. Her other extracurricular activities include: membership in the Key Club, where she served as the editor; Masqued Chargers theatre productions, in which she performed in several lead roles; pep band; symphonic band; marching band; and chamber choir. She also was selected as Queen Nicotina for the 2012 Charles County Fair, and was sponsored by the CCAA. Amber volunteers in community programs to end homelessness, rescue lost and unwanted animals, and clean up the Potomac River. She plans to pursue a career in the field of Theatre Production at Liberty University.
Sarah Cheney is an academic and artistic powerhouse. Her grade point average stands at 4.5 on a weighted scale while taking seven AP courses, and she ranks fifth in her graduating class. She has earned a spot on the Principal's Honor Roll every quarter. In her sophomore and junior years, she served as class secretary, and this year was elected as class president. She was selected as a school representative for the Charles County Association of Student Councils, Maryland Association of Student Councils, and the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Seminar. Even with her academic achievement and school service, Sarah is passionate about dance. She studies with Mr. Oscar Hawkins at the Ballet Arts Academy in Waldorf, and has performed leading roles in the Nutcracker and in the annual Ballet Project with professional guest artists. Her goal is to continue studying Ballet at Brigham Young University and become a professional dancer.
Paige Wearmouth has a grade point average of 4.35 on a weighted scale that includes several rigorous Honors and AP courses. She is an athlete/scholar/artist who has volunteered for several organizations. She played field hockey and captained the squad for a season. Her academic record led her to participate on the "It's Academic" Team and membership in the National Honor Society. An enthusiastic musician, she performs for both her school and community. Her recent performance at the Maryland State Solo and Ensemble Festival earned her a top rating. She has played in the McDonough Drama Club Pit Orchestra for both West Side Story and Cinderella. Selection in Honors Orchestra is a high distinction, and she has performed with Charles County Public Schools All-County, Southern Maryland Tri-County, and the Charles County Youth Orchestras. She plans to attend Catholic University in the fall to study Music Education.
Murugi Thande has a grade point average of 4.28 on a weighted scale while taking rigorous Honors and AP courses. She has served as a page with the MD General Assembly and enriched her education in Washington, DC, and international workshops and programs in France and Korea. Her extra-curricular activities range from National Honor Society President, WUSA 9 Campus Correspondent, to News Anchor for News Break 96, the Charles County Public Schools on-line news program. She has been a member of the National Language Honors Society, French Club, and Key Club. Volunteer work includes participating in Crop Walk for Hunger and Group Week of Hope. Her love of film and media evolved as she worked as a photographer for the NPHS yearbook, The Edge; NPHS Fashion Club, and Light of Glory Ministries events. The CCAA has already recognized her talent by selecting and displaying her photography in its first art gallery show at the Waldorf West Library. Taking her talent and passion to the next level, she plans to attend American University to major in Film and Media Arts.
The CCAA Arts Scholarship Program helps to ensure that highly talented local aspiring student artists will have access to higher academic education leading to successful future careers in the arts. For more information on the CCAA Arts Scholarship Program, please contact Kathleen Jenkins, Education Committee Chair, at (301) 392-3116 or kjenkins@comcast.net.
SMECO Awards College Scholarships
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has awarded four scholarships to high school seniors for 2013. Each year, SMECO awards four $1,500 college scholarships to students who live in the Co-op's service area. Scholarships are based on the applicants' scholastic achievement, financial need, and school and community involvement. SMECO has awarded scholarships to 84 students over the past 20 years. Each of the following students will receive a $1,500 college scholarship.
Samantha F. Janey, daughter of Crystal Frederick of Great Mills, is a senior at Great Mills High School. Janey participates in the National Honor Society, International Thespian Society, the Great Mills Marching Band Color Guard, softball, and indoor track. She is also the Secretary of the Class of 2013. According to Miriam Klapka, mathematics teacher at Great Mills High School, "Samantha is ambitious, talented, responsible, and genuinely kind. She has made the most of her high school years through active involvement in several diverse clubs, teams and organizations, from arts to sports, scholars to student government, all the while maintaining an excellent academic record. Samantha actively promotes teamwork and camaraderie, and she has earned the trust and respect of her peers through respect, inclusiveness, and genuine interest in and concern for her classmates." She plans to study computer science at Towson University in Towson, Maryland.
Amber Rabie, daughter of Sharon Rabie of Indian Head, is a senior at Lackey High School. Rabie has received many academic honors, including the Principal's Award, Minds in Motion, and Academic Letters, and she is one of the top five students of her graduating class. According to Courtney App, school counselor, "Amber is an extremely well-rounded student who has gone above and beyond to adequately prepare for college. In addition to her passion for music, she is passionate in her commitment to family and others. She is an extremely compassionate student who wants to reach out to those less fortunate and make a difference. Amber's sense of civic responsibility and integrity are unparalleled." She plans to study graphic design at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Jasmine Ammar, daughter of Rebecca Ammar of La Plata, attends La Plata High School. Ammar plans to earn a college degree in Biology. Angel Hindle, vice president of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 82 in La Plata, says, "Jasmine has participated in many functions to honor our veterans and assisted in supporting our community efforts for the past 10 years. She has served enthusiastically during our ceremonies and fund raising events. She has volunteered to collect donations while raising awareness of the Poppy Program. Jasmine encourages other members to participate in community service opportunities, such as the ice cream social that we hold for the Charlotte Hall Veteran's Home." Ammar participates in the Key Club, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, and 4-H.
Grant Alexander Homan, son of Robert and Linda Homan of Bel Alton, attends La Plata High School. He plans to attend the University of Maryland and to study International Business. "Grant is an exceptional student who shows the fortitude and the integrity that will allow him to excel at anything he puts his mind to. He is a leader who gets along with everyone and will go out of his way for others. His positive attitude and exemplary behavior complement his stellar academic performance," according to Jodi Kitson, student government association advisor and sponsor for Charles County Association of Student Councils. Homan has helped with many community food drives and school fund raisers, and he initiated and organized the One Warm Coat drive for the past two years, donating more than 200 coats to charity.
SMECO provides scholarships to local students who excel academically and who show promise in their chosen field of study. Past scholarship winners include teachers, nurses, and a medical doctor.