The Community Foundation of Howard County announces 35 scholarship awards to 32 impressive Howard County graduating high school seniors. The $57,000 in awards come after a thorough review process of applications and recommendations from the scholarship committees. These exceptional representatives of the Class of 2024 have been selected for their outstanding academic achievement, dedication to community service, and participation in a wide range of extracurricular activities.
“At the Community Foundation of Howard County, we believe in supporting and empowering the next generation of leaders,” said Dee Athey, director of grants and community engagement for the Community Foundation of Howard County (CFHoCo). “That’s why we are proud to award scholarships to these deserving individuals who have shown exceptional commitment to their education and their communities. Each of the winners stood out among a highly competitive pool of applicants, showcasing their passion for learning, their dedication to giving back, and their drive to excel in all areas of their lives. We are inspired by their accomplishments and excited to see how they will continue to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.”
Students from 12 Howard County public high schools received an array of scholarship awards dedicated to post-secondary study. Created individually over many decades by various donors, the scholarships are set up as endowed funds at the Community Foundation and annually reward some of Howard County’s best and brightest young stars.
Below is the list of the distinguished high school recipients. A more detailed description of each scholarship and some personal highlights of each winner follows.
Recipient Name, High School, Scholarship Award(s)
Abraham Akinladenu, Marriotts Ridge, Greg Speelman Scholarship AND Nikole Hannah-Jones Scholarship
Morgan Alston, Long Reach, Mary-Kathryn Abernathy Memorial Scholarship
Gavin Couch, Howard, Doug Parker Scholarship
Calvin Diltz, Howard, Schnorf Family Special Olympics Volunteer Scholarship Fund
Eva Dimitrova, Wilde Lake, John C. Clegg Scholarship
Gabrielle Freund, Atholton, John C. Clegg Scholarship
Carly Greenberger, Atholton, Phyllis Utterback Scholarship
Avery Iadarola, Wilde Lake, Michael Joseph Deets Scholarship Fund
Thomas Jayne, River Hill, Amanda Post “Amanda Wins” River Hill High School Student-Athlete Scholarship
Cody Johnson, Hammond, Mike Chang Sunshine Scholarship
Kaiya Jones, Long Reach, Wilbon and Mary J. Pulliam Scholarship
Francis LaBarbera, Atholton, Amanda Post “AmandaWins” Soccer Association of Columbia/Howard County Student-Athlete Scholarship
Jonathan Li, River Hill, Lance Christopher Mercy Scholar-Athlete Scholarship
Aidan Loehr, Reservoir, John C. Clegg Scholarship
Ina Ma, Wilde Lake, Jon Grove Memorial Scholarship AND Tropf Family Scholarship (Wilde Lake)
Timothy Martin, Howard, Christina and Lawrence Tarbell III Scholarship
Abigail McMahon, River Hill, Bob Kittleman Memorial Scholarship
Nolan Mercy, Glenelg, Freeman K. Hill Teen Scholarship
Jessica Ndiritu, Oakland Mills, Tropf Family Scholarship (Oakland Mills)
Jacob Paul, Hammond, Karen and Howard Carolan Scholarship
Michael Richman, Glenelg, Robert J. Gaw Memorial Scholarship
Brandon Ritcher, McDonogh School, Allan Homes Outstanding Student Volunteer Scholarship
Jillian Shoultz, Mount Hebron, Karen S. Wray Nursing with Compassion and Dignity Scholarship AND Kit Sfekas Memorial Scholarship Fund
Eleanor Spencer, Glenelg, John C. Clegg Scholarship
Sebastian Spencer, Glenelg, John C. Clegg Scholarship
Sheridan Stokes, Mount Hebron, C. Merritt Pumphrey Memorial Scholarship
Sarah Tan, Atholton, Tropf Family Scholarship (Atholton)
Natalie Thomas, Long Reach, Tropf Family Scholarship (Long Reach)
Keara Timmerman, Atholton, Aaron Worley Scholarship
Julia Wade, Marriotts Ridge, Mark Hollingsworth Scholarship
Adria Weaver, Marriotts Ridge, Nikole Hannah-Jones Scholarship
Katherine Wittholz, River Hill, John C. Clegg Scholarship
Aaron Worley Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship is offered in memory/honor of Aaron Worley for Howard County high school seniors with a commitment to community involvement, academics and sportsmanship.
2024 Recipient: Keara Timmerman, Atholton (South Carolina)
Keara Timmerman… enrolled at the University of South Carolina… plans to major in psychology with a goal of medical school… earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.43 weighted GPA at Atholton… National Honor Society… captain of varsity field hockey… captain of varsity lacrosse… member Be the Change club… Senior Dance Company… volunteers as manager of Allied Bowling team…active community volunteer…
Allan Homes Outstanding Student Volunteer Scholarship – $1,500
There is up to $1,500 available to individuals, enrolled in a Maryland high school or college undergraduate program, that demonstrate they volunteered their talent and provided exceptional service to Special Olympics Howard County.
2024 Recipient: Brandon Ritcher, McDonogh (Pitt)
Brandon Richter… enrolled at University of Pittsburgh … plans to major in occupational therapy… earned a 3.40 unweighted GPA at McDonogh School… will swim distance freestyle for Pitt’s DI varsity team… five-year volunteer with Special Olympics of Howard County… volunteered much of his time with 3-on-3 basketball… peer mentor… clinic director for city swim program…
The Amanda Post “AmandaWins” River Hill High School Student-Athlete Scholarship – $5,000
This scholarship, for eligible River Hill seniors, is offered in loving memory of Amanda Josephine Post, who passed away in 2009 during her freshman year at River Hill High School.
2024 Recipient: Thomas Jayne, River Hill (Maryland)
Thomas Jayne… enrolled at the University of Maryland-College Park … intends to study data science… earned a 4.77 weighted GPA at River Hill… varsity baseball… all-county pitcher… captain varsity cross country… varsity indoor track… co-founder of Sports Analytics Club… CA lifeguard… youth baseball umpire… active community volunteer…
The Amanda Post “AmandaWins” Soccer Association of Columbia/Howard County Student-Athlete Scholarship – $5,000
This scholarship is offered in loving memory of Amanda Josephine Post, who passed away in 2009 during her freshman year at River Hill High School and in her ninth year as a Soccer Association of Columbia/Howard County player. Candidates must be Howard County seniors that have played on a SAC/HC travel or rec team.
2024 Recipient: Francis LaBarbera, Atholton (Chatham)
Francis LaBarbera… is enrolled at Chatham University in Pittsburgh… plans to major in pre-med studies and play varsity soccer at Chatham… earned a 4.39 weighted GPA at Atholton… National Honor Society… platoon sergeant in JROTC… varsity soccer captain…first chair viola in school orchestra… member of pre-med club and held internship with orthopedic surgeon… member of Caribbean Student Union… worked as lifeguard and tutor… volunteered with VolunTeens organization…
Bob Kittleman Scholarship – Up to $1,000
This scholarship honors Bob Kittleman, and is for Howard County high school seniors who have shown potential in or are accomplished in engineering and the applied sciences.
2024 Recipient: Abigail McMahon, River Hill (Georgia Tech)
Abby McMahon… enrolled at Georgia Institute of Technology… intends to study chemical engineering… earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.80 weighted GPA at River Hill… National Honor Society… secretary in Tri-M Music Honor Societies… AP Scholar with Distinction… clarinet in band… captain of varsity volleyball… all-county in volleyball… a wealth of community service experiences… leader in Hawks Help tutoring program… lab assistant at Kennedy Krieger Institute…
C. Merritt Pumphrey Memorial Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship is available to a student currently in their senior year at a Howard County Public School or Chapelgate, who plans to attend a four-year college or university to pursue an education in pre-law, agriculture, animal husbandry, or a field related to farming.
2024 Recipient: Sheridan Stokes, Mount Hebron (South Carolina)
Sheridan Stokes… enrolled at University of South Carolina … plans to major in business… earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.73 weighted GPA at Mount Hebron… played soccer with the Baltimore Celtic Soccer Club… member of Future Business Leaders of America… interned at the Howard County District Court House… member of the Scholar’s Leadership Program…
Christina and Lawrence Tarbell III Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship available to Howard High School students is offered in appreciation by Christina and Lawrence Tarbell III for the fine education provided to them by the faculty of Howard High School.
2024 Recipient: Timothy Martin, Howard (Towson)
Timothy Martin… enrolled at Towson University… intends to study computer science… carried a 3.84 weighted GPA at Howard… vice president Alpha Achievers… youth advocate for the U.S. Coalition for African Immigrant Health (USCAIH)… interned at Victory Health… active volunteer at his church…
Doug Parker Scholarship – $2,500
This scholarship was established to honor and pay tribute to “Big Doug” Parker, a big man with a big heart. Applicants must attend a Howard County public or private school.
2024 Recipient: Gavin Couch, Howard (Kentucky)
Gavin Couch… enrolled at the University of Kentucky… engineering major… earned a 4.48 weighted GPA at Howard… National Honor Society… Music Honor Society… marching band… Eagle Scout… CA lifeguard and pool manager…coached Huntingdon Dolphins CNSL swim team…
Freeman K. Hill Teen Scholarship – $1,500
This scholarship is for a Howard County student who demonstrates his or her religious faith through good citizenship, service to others and the community and academic achievement – values that were exemplified in the life of Freeman K. Hill, an engineer at the Applied Physics Lab.
2024 Recipient: Nolan Mercy, Glenelg (Liberty)
Nolan Mercy… enrolled at Liberty University… intends to study mechanical engineering… earned a 4.68 weighted GPA at Glenelg… National Honor Society… varsity football… varsity lacrosse… saxophone in school wind ensemble and jazz band… junior counselor at Hemlock Wilderness Brigade Camp… active community volunteer… active in his church… started his own lawn care and bike repair businesses…
Greg Speelman Scholarship – $2,000
This $2,000 scholarship is available to a Marriotts Ridge High School student currently in their senior year, who leads by example and responds with care towards the needs of others.
2024 Recipient: Abraham Akinladenu, Marriotts Ridge (Maryland)
Abraham Akinladenu… will enroll at the University of Maryland-College Park… earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted (4.77 weighted) GPA at Marriotts Ridge… National Honor Society… varsity soccer… secretary of Alpha Achievers… member of Health Occupational Students of America… Howard County Youth Engagement Leadership Workgroup… executive board member of Rooted in Christ… interned at the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence… lab assistant at UMBC…
John C. Clegg Scholarship – Up to $6,000
The Clegg Scholarship is for high school seniors who participated on the Columbia Clippers swim team from 9th through 12th grade. There are six recipients in 2024. Each recipient receives $1,000.
2024 Recipient: Eva Dimitrova, Wilde Lake (Maryland)
Eva Dimitrova… enrolled at the University of Maryland-College Park… intends to study computer science… earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.82 weighted GPA at Wilde Lake… National Honor Society… Spanish and Math Honor Societies… marching band… varsity cross country… president of the International Club… swims with Columbia Clippers… vice president of Dancel YMCA Leaders Club… CA lifeguard…
2024 Recipient: Gabrielle Freund, Atholton (Georgia Tech)
Gabrielle Freund… attending Georgia Institute of Technology… intends to study chemical engineering… earned a 4.61 weighted GPA at Atholton… National Honor Society… Science and Math Honor Societies… 10-year swimmer with Columbia Clippers… earned all-state honors in swimming… CA lifeguard… coached Clemens Crossing CNSL swim team…
2024 Recipient: Aidan Loehr, Reservoir (Salisbury)
Aidan Loehr… enrolled at Salisbury University… intends to study physical therapy… earned a 4.32 weighted GPA at Reservoir… varsity baseball standout… swam for Maple Lawn Swim Club for 10 years and five years with Columbia Aquatics Association… swimmer with Columbia Clippers… coached swimming at Maple Lawn Swim Club… summer camp counselor…
2024 Recipient: Eleanor Spencer, Glenelg (Brigham Young)
Eleanor Spencer… enrolled at Brigham Young University … plans to major in graphic design… earned a 4.25 weighted GPA at Glenelg… president of Tri-M Music Honor Society… excels in several art forms… principal violinist in multiple orchestras… graphic artist participating in contests locally and regionally… competitive ballet dancer… swims with Columbia Clippers… founder of Refugee Kids Art Camp…. president of church youth group… founder of Diabetes Safe organization… volunteer with American Diabetes Association… very active in her church…
2024 Recipient: Sebastien Spencer, Glenelg (Brigham Young)
Sebastien Spencer… enrolled at Brigham Young University … plans to major in … earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.86 weighted GPA at Glenelg… founder and president of French Honor Society… Tri-M Music Honor Society… founder and captain of the Glenelg Swim Club… swims with Columbia Clippers… founder of Refugee Kids Art Camp…. president of church youth group… founder of Diabetes Safe organization… volunteer with American Diabetes Association… community volunteer… very active in his church…
2024 Recipient: Katherine Wittholz, River Hill (Tampa)
Kate Wittholz… enrolled at University of Tampa.… will major in marine biology … earned a 4.32 weighted GPA at River Hill… National Honor Society… Art Honor Society… swam 11 years with Columbia Clippers… youth exhibit guide at the National Aquarium in Baltimore… CA lifeguard… coached the Pheasant Ridge Rapids CNSL swim team three years, including one as head coach…
Jon Grove Memorial Scholarship – $2,500
This $2,500 scholarship is available to a Howard County Public High School student, currently in their senior year, whose life has been impacted by cancer, either personally or within their immediate family.
2024 Recipient: Ina Ma, Wilde Lake (Brown)
Ina Ma… enrolled at Brown University… pre-med major… earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.74 weighted GPA at Wilde Lake… National Honor Society… second chair cellist in school orchestra… varsity track… varsity tennis… member of the math team… secretary of WLHS Class Council… founder and president of the Wilde Lake Red Cross Club… founder and president of Youth Hands, Inc… secretary of Future Medical Professionals… president of Dancel YMCA Leaders Club… volunteer at HopeWorks… summer intern with Community Ecology Institute… held down multiple part-time jobs…
Karen and Howard Carolan Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship is offered in loving memory of Howard T. Carolan, Jr., and Karen R. Carolan, longtime residents of Howard County. Applicants must have participated in the Howard County Youth Program.
2024 Recipient: Jacob Paul, Hammond (Hartford)
Jacob Paul… enrolled at University of Hartford … intends to study music and audio production… earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.75 weighted GPA at Hammond… National Honor Society… president Tri-M Music Honor Society… secretary of Student Government Association… varsity track & field… performer and lead costumer in Hammond theatre department… interned at Toby’s Dinner Theater… active community volunteer… CA lifeguard and pool manager…coached KC Waves CNSL swim team four years…
Karen S. Wray Nursing with Compassion and Dignity Scholarship – $1,000
Established in 2021, this scholarship is offered in memory of Karen S. Wray, who resided in Howard County from 1971-2019, and who exemplified compassion, kindness, dignity, and respect for all whom she served during her nursing career. Applicants must plan to attend a two- or four-year college/university with the intention to study nursing.
2024 Recipient: Jillian Shoultz, Mount Hebron (Notre Dame of Maryland)
Jillian Shoultz… enrolled at Notre Dame of Maryland University … plans to major in nursing… earned a 4.16 weighted GPA at Mount Hebron… co-captain of varsity volleyball… president of Black Student Union… president of Valhalla Voices singing group… Mock Trial club… Fellowship of Christian Athletes… Class Board… public relations officer for Voices for Children… active community volunteer, including with Columbia Community Care…
Kit Sfekas Memorial Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship is offered to a Mt. Hebron female athlete in memory of Judge Kit Sfekas, who was known to many as “Coach Kit.”
2024 Recipient: Jillian Shoultz, Mount Hebron (Notre Dame of Maryland)
Jillian Shoultz… enrolled at Notre Dame of Maryland University … plans to major in nursing… earned a 4.16 weighted GPA at Mount Hebron… co-captain of varsity volleyball… president of Black Student Union… president of Valhalla Voices singing group… Mock Trial club… Fellowship of Christian Athletes… Class Board… public relations officer for Voices for Children… active community volunteer, including with Columbia Community Care…
Lance Christopher Mercy Scholar-Athlete Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship is available to River Hill scholar-athletes who are currently in their senior year and have played either varsity football or lacrosse. The scholarship is offered in loving memory of Lance Mercy, a 2018 River Hill graduate who tragically passed away in a car accident in May 2020. He was passionate about sports, and his calm demeanor and easy-going personality made him a leader both on and off the field. His life motto can be summed up in just six words: work hard, have fun, be kind.
2024 Recipient: Jonathan Li, River Hill (Cornell)
Jonathan Li… enrolled at Cornell University… intends to double major in computer science and economics… earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.89 weighted GPA at River Hill… captain varsity lacrosse… captain varsity ice hockey… petty officer second class in U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corps… intern at Towson U. Software Engineering Group… selected student at JHU Applied Physics Lab…
Mark Hollingsworth Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship is offered in memory of Mark Hollingsworth, a devoted family man and hard-working entrepreneur whose compassionate spirit and positive attitude left a strong impression on those who knew and loved him. Applicants must be seniors at Marriotts Ridge High School.
2024 Recipient: Julia Wade, Marriotts Ridge (Eastern)
Julia Wade… enrolled at the Eastern University in St. Davids, Penn.… intends to major in exercise science… earned a 4.57 weighted GPA at Marriotts Ridge… National Honor Society… Italian Honor Society… captain of varsity cross country… captain of varsity track & field… will run in college at Eastern… executive board of school Italian Club… active volunteer at her church.
Mary-Kathryn Abernathy Memorial Scholarship – $500
This $500 scholarship is offered in memory of Mary-Kathryn Abernathy for Long Reach High School students. Applicants must plan to attend a two- or four-year college/university or trade school and either pursue a career in education or have been involved in fine arts in the school or community. There are two winners in 2022.
2024 Recipient: Morgan Alston, Long Reach (Howard)
Morgan Alston… is enrolled at Howard University… intends to major in psychology… earned a 3.61 unweighted GPA at Long Reach… National Honor Society… Art Honor Society… varsity dance team… member of Scholars’ Leadership Program… volunteered at MonuMental…
Michael Joseph Deets Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship is offered in memory of Michael Joseph Deets. Candidates are Wilde Lake seniors planning to attend a two- or four-year college with preference given to students intending to enroll at The College of William & Mary.
2024 Recipient: Avery Iadarola, Wilde Lake (Johns Hopkins)
Avery Iadarola… attending the Johns Hopkins University… biomedical engineering major… perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and earned a 4.77 weighted GPA at Wilde Lake… National Honor Society… varsity tennis… captain of “It’s Academic” team… vice president of Future Medical Professionals Club… co-founder of Women’s Activism Club… second violinist in school orchestra… very active community volunteer…. volunteer with Special Olympics… volunteer at Camp Inclusion… works as private math tutor…
Mike Chang Sunshine Scholarship – $500
This scholarship is offered in memory of Mike Chang, a 1995 graduate of Hammond High School. Candidates are Hammond seniors planning to attend college and must respond with care and concern towards the needs of others and have the ability to bring humor to the serious business of life.
2024 Recipient: Cody Johnson, Hammond (McDaniel)
Cody Johnson… enrolled at McDaniel College… engineering major… earned a 4.14 weighted GPA at Hammond… National Honor Society… National Art Honor Society… captain of varsity wrestling team… all-county wrestler… member of OhanaHC… member of Best Buddies program… held down part-time job at Mission BBQ… volunteers at Bethany Church…
Nikole Hannah-Jones Scholarship – $5,000
Established in 2022, this scholarship is offered by The Howard Hughes Corporation in honor Nikole Hannah-Jones and her work. Nikole is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist covering social injustice for the New York Times Magazine and creator of the landmark 1619 Project. Two recipients are selected each year, and each one receives $5,000. Candidates must have graduated from a Howard County public school.
2024 Recipient: Abraham Akinladenu, Marriotts Ridge (Maryland)
Abraham Akinladenu… will enroll at the University of Maryland-College Park… earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted (4.77 weighted) GPA at Marriotts Ridge… National Honor Society… varsity soccer… secretary of Alpha Achievers… member of Health Occupational Students of America… Howard County Youth Engagement Leadership Workgroup… executive board member of Rooted in Christ… interned at the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence… lab assistant at UMBC…
2024 Recipient: Adria Weaver, Centennial (Spelman)
Adria Weaver… enrolled at Spelman College.… intends to study pre-law political science… earned a 4.50 weighted GPA at Centennial… National Honor Society… Dance and English Honor Societies… class president… president of Delta Scholars… founder of Beauty In Me, a program that pairs high school girls as mentors with older elementary school girls… Scholars Leadership Program… captain of Mock Trial Defense Attorney team… captain of Junior Dance Team… youth advisory committee of the Georgetown Law School Learning Network…
Phyllis Utterback Scholarship – $2,000
This scholarship for Howard County public school seniors is offered in memory/honor of Phyllis Utterback in recognition of her remarkable commitment to education, youth and family. She epitomized the impact and value of education and the positive role it can play in the lives of young and old.
2024 Recipient: Carly Greenberger, Atholton (Maryland)
Carly Greenberger… enrolled at the University of Maryland-College Park… wants to be a teacher… earned a 4.64 weighted GPA at Atholton… National Honor Society… Spanish and Science Honor Societies… captain of varsity cheer team… founder and president of the Jewish Student Union… player and manager of Allied softball team… member of Teaching Academy of Maryland… assistant teacher at Temple Isaiah… leadership trainee and counselor in training during summers at Capital Camps and Retreat Center…
Robert J. Gaw Memorial Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship is offered in memory of Robert J. Gaw, co-founder of the Ryland Group, Inc. It provides toward the cost of tuition for a Howard County public high school student.
2024 Recipient: Michael Richman, Glenelg (Maryland)
Michael Richman… enrolled at University of Maryland-College Park … intends to humanities… earned a 3.96 unweighted GPA and a 4.78 weighted GPA at Glenelg… president of Glenelg Earth Organization… president of Social Justice Gladiators… member of Gladiators on the Horizon… active participant in theater department productions… participant in county’s Youth Climate Change Institute… active community volunteer…
Schnorf Family Special Olympics Volunteer Scholarship – Up to $1,500
This scholarship is offered to individuals that demonstrate they volunteered their talent and provided exceptional service to the Special Olympics Howard County.
2024 Recipient: Calvin Diltz, Howard (SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry)
Calvin Diltz… enrolled at State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry… intends to study marine science… earned a 4.22 weighted GPA at Howard… interned for two years at the National Aquarium in Baltimore… four-year Special Olympics volunteer and mentor… has worked part-time at Merriweather Post Pavilion for four years…
Tropf Family Scholarships – $1,000
The Tropf family wishes to promote the study of science by awarding scholarships to Howard County public schools’ seniors from Atholton, Long Reach, Oakland Mills and Wilde Lake who intend to study mathematics, the physical sciences or engineering at a four-year college or university. These scholarships honor Cheryl Griffiths Tropf, a great believer in learning and academic achievement. There are four recipients in 2024.
2024 Recipient: Ina Ma, Wilde Lake (Brown)
Ina Ma… enrolled at Brown University… pre-med major… earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.74 weighted GPA at Wilde Lake… National Honor Society… second chair cellist in school orchestra… varsity track… varsity tennis… member of the math team… secretary of WLHS Class Council… founder and president of the Wilde Lake Red Cross Club… founder and president of Youth Hands, Inc… secretary of Future Medical Professionals… president of Dancel YMCA Leaders Club… volunteer at HopeWorks… summer intern with Community Ecology Institute… held down multiple part-time jobs…
2024 Recipient: Jessica Ndiritu, Oakland Mills (UMBC)
Jessica Ndiritu… enrolled at University of Maryland-Baltimore County… pre-med major… earned a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.70 weighted GPA at Oakland Mills… gave keynote address at OMHS commencement… president of National Honor Society… Science Honor Society… vice president of Black Student Union… Pre-Med Club and DECA Club… intern with Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County… active community volunteer, including five years with Columbia Community Care… math and reading tutor at KUMON…
2024 Recipient: Sarah Tan, Atholton (Johns Hopkins)
Sarah Tan… enrolled at the Johns Hopkins University … plans to major in molecular and cellular biology… intends to become a dentist… earned a 3.96 unweighted GPA and a 4.59 weighted GPA at Atholton… captain varsity soccer… won the MPSSAA Scholar-Athlete Award… treasurer of Student Government Association… secretary of the Atholton Asian Student Union… very active community volunteer… content creation director for Asian Youth Act nonprofit… volunteer with Youth Music Tutors… volunteer with Special Olympics… volunteer with VolunTeens…
2024 Recipient: Natalie Thomas, Long Reach (Maryland)
Natalie Thomas… enrolled at the University of Maryland-College Park… plans to major in mechanical engineering… earned a 4.52 weighted GPA at Long Reach… National Honor Society… Science and Spanish Honor Societies… Scholars Leadership Program… Lightning Leaders program… co-president of the Animal Welfare Club… very active community volunteer…
Wilbon H. and Mary J. Pulliam Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship is offered in memory of Wilbon H. and Mary J. Pulliam for Howard County high school seniors planning to attend a two- or four-year college/university or trade school.
2024 Recipient: Kaiya Jones, Long Reach (Spelman)
Kaiya Jones… enrolled at Spelman College… plans to study environmental science along with food studies… earned a 4.59 weighted GPA at Long Reach… National Honor Society… vice president of Scholars Leadership Program… Teen Advisory Board of Elkridge Library… worked in school’s student services office… volunteer with EcoTots Learning Center… active in her church…
About the Community Foundation of Howard County
For more than 50 years the Community Foundation of Howard County has served as a knowledgeable, trusted partner that forges connections between donors and nonprofit organizations to provide impactful investments in Howard County. In 2023, the foundation awarded more than $1.7 million across more than 450 scholarships and grants to organizations delivering human service, arts and cultural, educational and civic programs.
Funds to support grant programs come primarily from income generated by the foundation’s endowment supported by nearly 400 funds established by Howard County businesses, families and individuals. For more information, visit CFHoCo.org or call 410-730-7840.