First Generation College Students From Local Area High Schools
We are pleased to announce the 2019 recipients of United Community's college scholarships. Thanks to generous donors, we provides two annual scholarship opportunities that focus on keeping vulnerable youth moving forward to self-reliance and life success.
“Post secondary education opportunities and our scholarships are part of our initiatives to end multigenerational poverty, helping to make bright futures a reality,” says Alison DeCourcey, UCM Executive Director. "We appreciate our partnership with Battelle and the generous bequest from the estate of Mrs. Lois Valencourt that make these scholarships possible.Their commitment to invest in access to opportunity is invaluable."
“Post secondary education opportunities and our scholarships are part of our initiatives to end multigenerational poverty, helping to make bright futures a reality,” says Alison DeCourcey, UCM Executive Director. "We appreciate our partnership with Battelle and the generous bequest from the estate of Mrs. Lois Valencourt that make these scholarships possible.Their commitment to invest in access to opportunity is invaluable."
Ruth Hailemeskel (photo courtesy Mount Vernon Gazette) 2019 Battelle-United Community Scholarships
Funded by a grant from Battelle, these competitive college scholarships are designed to encourage economically-challenged Mount Vernon area high school seniors to pursue college studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Scholarship candidates must demonstrate leadership, confidence in dealing with challenges, commitment to goals, and active participation in community service, extracurricular activities, or work.
The 2019 Battelle-United Community Scholars are:
Funded by a grant from Battelle, these competitive college scholarships are designed to encourage economically-challenged Mount Vernon area high school seniors to pursue college studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Scholarship candidates must demonstrate leadership, confidence in dealing with challenges, commitment to goals, and active participation in community service, extracurricular activities, or work.
The 2019 Battelle-United Community Scholars are:
James Wrobeh Ruth Fikru Hailemeskel graduated this spring from Mount Vernon High School and will attend William and Mary College to pursue premed studies. Her long term goal is to become a general surgeon. Ruth was elected as President of her high school graduating class. She is the first person in her family to attend college in the United States.
James Wrobeh graduated this spring from Bryant Alternative High School and will attend Virginia State University to pursue a degree in criminal justice. James started first grade at 13 years old, when he and his family arrived in the United States from Liberia. He will be the first in his family to attend college in the United States.
James Wrobeh graduated this spring from Bryant Alternative High School and will attend Virginia State University to pursue a degree in criminal justice. James started first grade at 13 years old, when he and his family arrived in the United States from Liberia. He will be the first in his family to attend college in the United States.
Hibsit Demilie with Regina Schofield of Battelle Hibsit Demilie will be starting her sophomore year at Hope College. She graduated from West Potomac High School in 2018 and is pursuing a degree in nursing. She completed her first year of college with a 4.0 GPA. Hibist also volunteered serving breakfast every Saturday morning at a homeless shelter. This is her second year receiving a scholarship from Battlelle.
Micco Daniels 2019 Valencourt Scholarships
Thanks to a generous bequest in 2014, the Lois Valencourt Scholarship Fund enables students who have graduated from high schools in the Mount Vernon area to pursue post-secondary training and career advancement after graduation. This can include vocational training or a college degree.
The Valencourt Scholars for 2019 are:
Micco Daniels graduated this spring from Mount Vernon High School, He will attend Case Western Reserve University to pursue a double major in computer science and music. He was recommended by his high school guidance counselor.
Ruth Fikru Hailemeskel also of Mount Vernon High was awarded a Valencourt Scholarship in addition to the Battelle award.
James Wrobeh of Bryant Alternative High School was awarded a Valencourt Scholarship in addition to his Battelle Scholarship.
Thanks to a generous bequest in 2014, the Lois Valencourt Scholarship Fund enables students who have graduated from high schools in the Mount Vernon area to pursue post-secondary training and career advancement after graduation. This can include vocational training or a college degree.
The Valencourt Scholars for 2019 are:
Micco Daniels graduated this spring from Mount Vernon High School, He will attend Case Western Reserve University to pursue a double major in computer science and music. He was recommended by his high school guidance counselor.
Ruth Fikru Hailemeskel also of Mount Vernon High was awarded a Valencourt Scholarship in addition to the Battelle award.
James Wrobeh of Bryant Alternative High School was awarded a Valencourt Scholarship in addition to his Battelle Scholarship.
Fernando and Zulemy For the selection of this year's awards, two former Valencourt Scholarship awardees -- Fernando Acosta and Zulemy Loza -- participated as student judges to evaluate the 2019 recipients. They are both graduates of West Potomac High School. Fernando is starting his senior year at GMU with a major in civil engineering. Zulemy is also entering her final year at GMU, with a major in criminology and social work.
Congratulations and best wishes to all our graduates on their accomplishments!
(June 2019, United Community Enews)
Congratulations and best wishes to all our graduates on their accomplishments!
(June 2019, United Community Enews)
