HUGHESVILLE, Md. (May 15, 2012)—Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has awarded four scholarships to high school seniors for 2012. 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 each of the following students a $1,500 college scholarship.
Tiffany Rae Chan, daughter of Yvette and Rey Chan of Hollywood, is a senior at Leonardtown High School. Chan participates in numerous clubs. She is a co-founder of GrowingSTEMS, a nonprofit organization. She is a dance performer with the Filipino-American Association of Southern Maryland and has participated in the County Model United Nations. Chan has been listed on Leonardtown High School's highest honor roll and has received several awards, including first place in the GFWC Women's Club of St. Mary's Youth Art Contest and first place in the Underage Drinking Calendar Contest. She also received Verbal Mention for the China delegation in the Future Security Council at the Old Dominion University Model United Nations. She plans to study illustration and advertising communication at Parsons in New York.
Anna Elkins, daughter of Don and Patricia Elkins of Owings, attends Northern High School. Elkins has received many academic honors, including the Kathleen Young Leadership Award and the Outstanding Choral Music Student Award. She is a National Merit Commended Student and a College Board AP Scholar with Distinction. Elkins participates in many activities representing scholarly pursuits, as well as artistic pursuits. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the International Thespian Society, and jazz band, as well as being a private piano teacher. Elkins uses her musical gifts to help in the community as well, teaching children the movements to songs at the Parish Summer Scripture Camp and assisting coaches in teaching lacrosse and basketball at the Summer FCA Kids' Power Camp. She plans to study music at Ava Maria University in Ava Maria, Florida this fall.
Alexandra Ondrejcak, daughter of Sandra and Andrew Ondrejcak of Waldorf, is a senior at Thomas Stone High School. Ondrejcak volunteers with the American Red Cross and Charles County Hospice. She is in the National Honor Society and on the varsity soccer and tennis teams, and she served as captain of her varsity and club soccer teams. She plans to attend Stevenson University in Stevenson, Maryland.
Jemm Dela Cruz, daughter of Anabella and Alexander Dela Cruz of Waldorf, attends Thomas Stone High School. Dela Cruz serves as class president and is a member of several honors organizations, including the National Honor Society, the W.E.B. Du Bois Honor Society, Math Engineering Science Achievement, the Key Club, and the Spanish Club. She also studies ballet and has been involved on her high school tennis team. Dela Cruz has received Principal's Honors for three straight years, as well as placing first in the Charles County MESA Regional Competition and receiving an Academic Excellence award. She plans to study science, technology, and international affairs at Georgetown University.
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.
Source: SMECO