Six graduating seniors from area high schools each received $2,000 scholarships from the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce Tuesday during the organization's Education Partnership Scholarship Luncheon at the Belle Haven Country Club. Each recipient had submitted a 300 to 500 word essay, maintained a 3.5 grade point average, and indicated an interest in pursuing a business-related career.
"We have some very talented people in this room today, our scholarship recipients. Be nice to them you may be working for one of them someday," said Chamber Vice President Walter C. Clarke in opening the program.
In addition to contributions, funds for the Chamber's Education Partnership Scholarship Program come from its annual Potomac Classic Golf Tournament, which is scheduled for Monday, June 11, at the Fort Belvoir Golf Club. "We are hoping for a good turnout next Monday because this is where we get the money to support these excellent students," said Nathaniel E. Wilson, Chamber president.
"Over the years, the Chamber has awarded more than $40,000 in scholarships to outstanding high school students from Mount Vernon and Lee districts. These funds are voluntary contributions from businesses and Chamber members throughout the year," Wilson said.
In recognizing those who serve on the Chamber's Education Partnership Board, Wilson noted, "There's a lot of hard work that goes into funding the scholarships and selecting the recipients. We are delighted to recognize the accomplishments of these young men and women and support their efforts to further their education in a business related field."
THOSE AWARDED the scholarships were:
Katheleen Bashkanshy, West Potomac High School, who plans to attend Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., to study business and economics in the hope of operating her own business focused on orthodontics after serving an internship in an orthodontics office.
Shameek Delancy, Mount Vernon High School, will be attending Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., where he plans to study sports management.
Michael Dougherty, Hayfield Secondary School, high school and regional science fair winner, leaves for Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, in three weeks to begin the summer term studying business management and marketing.
Monica Escoiona, Bryant Alternative High School, where she has been a member of the National Honor Society while also being a working mother with an 11-year-old son. She will be the first person in her family to attended college when she begins her studies at Northern Virginia Community College this fall to pursue a degree in accounting.
Theresa McDonald, South County High School, where she has been an honor roll student while participating in the Future Business Leaders of America Club. A native of Sierra Leone she also will be attending Northern Virginia Community College in preparation for George Mason University.
Allison Parker, Edison High School, another honor roll student will be attending Virginia Tech University to pursue a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Pamplin College of Business. She was the only recipient not in attendance due to taking final exams.
Joining in congratulating the students were Dan Storck, Mount Vernon District's county school board representative, and president, Fairfax County School Board, and Brad Center, Lee District's county school board representative. "It takes all of us to come together for this type of celebration and presentation," Storck said.
"This is an example of when serving on the school board is pure enjoyment. These recipients represent the best in diversity not only in their backgrounds but also in their aims and desires for the future," said Center.