Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) announces the recipients of its scholarships for 2005. Each year SMECO awards four scholarships worth $1,500 each to high school seniors who live and attend high school in the Co-op's service area. The scholarships are awarded based on scholastic achievement, financial need, and school and community involvement.
The following students have each been awarded a $1,500 scholarship.
• Jessica Denton, daughter of Laura Denton of Waldorf, is graduating from Westlake High School. Denton participated in the Westlake chorus and was a member of the school’s Environmental Club. She assists her community through her involvement in Christmas in April and yearly 9/11 luncheons. Denton plans to attend Towson University to become a mathematics teacher.
• Michael Falls, son of Alice Falls of Waldorf, is graduating from Maurice J. McDonough High School. Falls received first place in the geometry competition sponsored by the Association of Christian Schools International. He also competed in Charles County’s 2005 Science Fair, receiving the Honorable Mention award in the Physics competition. In 2003, he participated in the Youth Radio and Journalism broadcasting society at the Latin American Youth Center in Washington, D.C. Falls plans to attend the University of Maryland to become an international business lawyer.
• Ammara Raja, daughter of Nasir and Rubina Raja of Waldorf, is graduating from Maurice J. McDonough High School. She served as captain of her school’s math league and softball team and as president of the drama club. She earned numerous honors, including the National Honor Roll, National Honor Society, and the All-Around Performance Award. In her spare time, she tutors elementary school kids and volunteers at her mosque. Raja plans to attend the College of Southern Maryland and hopes to eventually become a dentist.
• Nalo Robinson, daughter of Thomas and Stephanie Robinson of Waldorf, is graduating from Westlake High School. She has been active in the school’s student council, Next Step Organization, Future Educators of America, and Distributive Education Clubs of America, and was a member of the track and field team. She volunteers as a youth tutor and as softball coach for Special Olympics. She plans to attend Temple University to study pharmacy.
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.