(pictured above) Kiana Macharia addresses the Class of 2020 during the Oakland Mills High School virtual Commencement in June. Macharia earned one of the four Tropf Family Scholarships from the Community Foundation of Howard County.
The Community Foundation of Howard County has awarded 61 scholarships to 56 Howard County students with an approximate value of $68,100. The awards come after a thorough review process of applications and scholarship committee recommendations.
“These scholarships are another example of the many donors in our caring community and the value they place on education,” said Dee Athey, director of grants and community engagements for the Community Foundation of Howard County. “In an extraordinary time, this tradition of giving is especially meaningful, given the challenges and the sacrifices so many of the graduating seniors will make this year. Although they may not have a graduation ceremony, they can know the community continues to support and reward their hard work.”
To break it down even further, 25 high school seniors received an array of 30 scholarship awards for $60,500 dedicated to post-secondary study. Another 31 middle school students received $7,610 in Carlessia Hussein Minority Scholarships, which are dedicated for minority males to attend qualified extracurricular camps and programs.
Below is a brief list of the high school recipients. A more detailed description of each scholarship and some personal highlights of each winner follows.
Name, High School, Scholarship Award(s)
- Chelsea Baker, River Hill, Amanda Post “AmandaWins” River Hill High School Student-Athlete Scholarship
- Megan Clifford, Howard, Christina and Lawrence Tarbell III Scholarship
- Julianna Dibert, Glenelg Country School, Christina and Lawrence Tarbell III Scholarship
- Ethan Fan, Atholton, John C. Clegg Scholarship AND Robert J. Gaw Memorial Scholarship
- Abigail Freeman, Homewood Center, Mary Ann Levant Memorial Scholarship
- Arielle Frey, Reservoir, Dorothy Iglehart Pumphrey Memorial Scholarship
- Madison Garrigus, Atholton, Tropf Family Scholarship
- Liza Goldberg, Atholton, Tropf Family Scholarship
- Makenna Hammill, Atholton, Allan Homes Outstanding Student Volunteer Scholarship AND Schnorf Family Special Olympics Volunteer Scholarship
- Naomi Han, Marriotts Ridge, Jon Grove Memorial Scholarship AND Mark Hollingsworth Scholarship
- Eunice Ju, Marriotts Ridge, Mary Ann Levant Memorial Scholarship
- Alex Kohn, Oakland Mills, Bob Kittleman Scholarship
- Jordan Kreh, Hammond, Mike Chang Sunshine Scholarship
- Adrienne Lesho, River Hill, Allan Homes Outstanding Student Volunteer Scholarship
- Ellen Li, Mt. Hebron, Wilbon H. and Mary J. Pulliam Scholarship
- Lynzee Louden, Mt. Hebron, Aaron Worley Scholarship
- Kiana Macharia, Oakland Mills, Tropf Family Scholarship
- Julia Noppenberger, Mt. Hebron, Amanda Post “AmandaWins” SAC/HC Student-Athlete Scholarship AND Kit Sfekas Memorial Scholarship
- Shea O’Connor, Howard, Karen and Howard Carolan Scholarship AND Schnorf Family Special Olympics Volunteer Scholarship
- Katelin Perrigan, Long Reach, Mary-Kathryn Abernathy Memorial Scholarship
- Alexa Porter, Oakland Mills, Tropf Family Scholarship
- Matthew Sturtevant, Glenelg, Freeman K. Hill Teen Scholarship
- Anna Whitaker, Howard, Phyllis Utterback Scholarship
- Harrison Young, Glenelg, Vision Financial Group 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.
2020 Recipient: Lynzee A. Louden, Mt. Hebron HS
Lynzee Louden… intends to study Political Science at the University of Southern California… member of Vikings Service Club… officer in SGA… varsity tennis… captain of cheerleading team… varsity basketball… member of Future Business Leaders of America… Rotary Youth Leadership Award… captain of Senior Dance Company… a competitive dancer, earned all-county honors at Dance Performance Ensemble… active volunteer with Delta Scholars and Believe in Belize nonprofits…tutors elementary school students through Roger Carter Homework Club…
Allan Homes Outstanding Student Volunteer Scholarship – $750
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 the Special Olympics Howard County Swim Team. There are two winners in 2020.
2020 Recipient: Makenna A. Hammill, Atholton HS
Makenna Hammill… intends to study Nursing at Towson University… a member of the National Honor Society… member of National Spanish Honor Society… JROTC Officer… class officer in SGA… varsity field hockey… varsity lacrosse… participates on Atholton Swim Club… swim coach volunteer for special needs athletes through Special Olympics… coaches for Clemens Crossing Cyclones in CNSL… recognized as a “Super Plunger” for raising more than $10,000 for Special Olympics in the Polar Bear Plunge… interned at Johns Hopkins Hospital…
2020 Recipient: Adrienne M. Lesho, River Hill HS
Adrienne Lesho… intends to study Marketing at the University of South Carolina… posted a 4.0 GPA at River Hill… a member of the National Honor Society… member of Tri-M Music National Honor Society… member of Spanish Honor Society… captain of golf team… all-county golf… member of Girl Scouts… swim coach for special needs athletes through Special Olympics…
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.
2020 Recipient: Chelsea P. Baker, River Hill HS
Chelsea Baker… intends to study Mechanical Engineering at Harvard University… posted a 3.95 GPA at River Hill… member of National Honor Society… president of Delta Scholars… president of Hawks Fight Hunger… secretary of the SGA… member of the Maryland Technology Honor Society… co-captain of girls’ soccer team… helped River Hill win three soccer state championships… captain of indoor track team… co-captain of outdoor track team…
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.
2020 Recipient: Julia E. Noppenberger, Mt. Hebron HS
Julia Noppenberger… intends to study Biology at Haverford College… posted a 4.0 GPA at Mt. Hebron… member of the National Honor Society… Principal’s Honor Roll for four years… member of Spanish National Honor Society and Math National Honor Society… member of Vikings Service Club… captain and MVP of girls’ soccer team… first-team All-Howard County as a senior… 11 years of SAC participation… varsity indoor track team… varsity outdoor track team…
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.
2020 Recipient: Alexander R. Kohn, Oakland Mills HS
Alex Kohn… intends to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Maryland… posted a 4.0 GPA at Oakland Mills… National Honor Society… captain of the Kinetic Sculpture Team… member of OMHS marching band… member of OMHS jazz band… member of environmental club… varsity cross country… varsity indoor and outdoor track & field teams… all-county high jumper… won the high jump at 3A regional indoor meet… president of the Oakland Mills Young Democrats Club… active in Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia… created and organized the Where are the Children Project, a national protest against the detention of immigrant children… active community volunteer…
Carlessia Hussein Minority Scholarship – Up to $25,000
Carlessia Hussein Minority Scholarships are for African American, Latino or Native American males attending a public middle school in Howard County for the costs of tuition and related expenses associated with participating in “qualified programs” that provide opportunities to gain knowledge, skills and unique experiences to enable them to successfully complete school and become life-long leaders in their community. There is up to $25,000 available, approximately $350 per week of camp per applicant.
There were 31 young men that accepted Carlessia Hussein Minority Scholarships in 2020. Read about the 2020 winners here. Watch the 2020 ceremony and speeches here.
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.
2020 Recipient: Megan E. Clifford, Howard HS
Megan Clifford… intends to study Kinesiology at the University of Maryland… recorded a 3.95 GPA at Howard… National Honor Society… National Science Honor Society… honored as a Howard Scholar for excelling in a variety of AP level or college courses… Howard High School Lion Leader… captain of tennis team… president of the baking club… active in her church, including teaching at the vacation bible school and sports camp… active community volunteer…
Dorothy Iglehart 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, which plans to pursue a career in the fine arts or who has been involved in the fine arts in the school or community.
2020 Recipient: Arielle C. Frey, Reservoir HS
Arielle Frey… intends to study Communications at Northeastern University… member National Honor Society… member National Art Honor Society… earned Outstanding Student Art Departmental Award… president of the school literary magazine… member of school orchestra… participated in theater arts program… president of Reservoir book club… participant in county and state art shows…
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.
2020 Recipient: Julianna C. Dibert, Glenelg Country School
Julianna Dibert… intends to study Biology at Lipscomb University… National Honor Society… National Spanish Honor Society… Presidential Service Award… vice president of the Props and Costumes Club, creating costumes for school plays… swam for and coached the Wilde Lake Watercats swim club… very active in her church through its AWANA program… works in the nursery at Calvary Baptist Church… traveled to New Orleans on spring breaks to help rebuild homes… active community volunteer…
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.
2020 Recipient: Matthew Sturtevant, Glenelg HS
Matthew Sturtevant… intends to study Marketing at the University of Tennessee… a member of the National Honor Society… class officer in SGA… captain of the boys’ soccer team… varsity track… winner of the Scholar-Athlete Award… volunteers considerable time at St. Louis Church… steering committee member for “Gladiators on the Horizon” mentoring program…
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.
2020 Recipient: Min H. Kim, Marriotts Ridge HS
Min Kim… intends to study Psychology at the University of Maryland… a member and executive board member of the National Honor Society… member of National Spanish Honor Society and Social Studies National Honor Society… secretary of Tri-M Music Honor Society… member Maryland All-State Choir… Madrigal Chamber Choir Singer… Peabody Conservatory Children’s Choir… captain of debate team… volunteers considerable time at Bethel Korean Presbyterian Church…president of AMAVI, a student-led organization providing support to human-trafficking victims…
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.
2020 Recipient: Ethan H. Fan, Atholton HS
Ethan Fan… intends to study Biology at the Georgetown University… posted a 4.0 GPA at Atholton… National Merit Finalist… National AP Scholar… president of Toastmasters International… earned Toastmasters Competent Leadership and Competent Communicator awards… president of the Public Speaking Club…president of the Atholton Swim Club… member of Columbia Clippers swim team… member of the Atholton Chamber Orchestra… created and taught a public speaking curriculum to more than 100 first-generation Chinese-American students…
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.
2020 Recipient: Naomi Han, Marriotts Ridge HS
Naomi Han… intends to study medicine at Penn State… posted a 4.0 GPA at Marriotts Ridge… National Merit Finalist… member of the National Honor Society… member of German National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society… The President’s Volunteer Service Award… volunteers considerable time at Bethel Korean School and University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopedic Institute… earned Excellence in Junior Leadership Award… president of German Club… president of Women of Color Club…
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.
2020 Recipient: Shea B. O’Connor, Howard HS
Shea O’Connor… intends to study Biology at the University of Maryland… vice president of the Howard National Honor Society… member of Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society… member of the Science National Honor Society… captain of the field hockey team… captain of the lacrosse team… varsity indoor track… volunteer basketball coach for special needs athletes through Special Olympics… volunteer in Best Buddies program…
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.”
2020 Recipient: Julia E. Noppenberger, Mt. Hebron HS
Julia Noppenberger… intends to study Biology at Haverford College… posted a 4.0 GPA at Mt. Hebron… member of the National Honor Society… Principal’s Honor Roll for four years… member of Spanish National Honor Society and Math National Honor Society… member of Vikings Service Club… captain and MVP of girls’ soccer team… first-team All-Howard County as a senior… 11 years of SAC participation… varsity indoor track team… varsity outdoor track team…
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.
2020 Recipient: Naomi Han, Marriotts Ridge HS
Naomi Han… intends to study medicine at Penn State… posted a 4.0 GPA at Marriotts Ridge… National Merit Finalist… member of the National Honor Society… member of German National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society… The President’s Volunteer Service Award… volunteers considerable time at Bethel Korean School and University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopedic Institute… earned Excellence in Junior Leadership Award… president of German Club… president of Women of Color Club…
Mary Ann Levant Homewood Center Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship for a senior at the Homewood Center is offered in loving memory of Mary Ann Levant, a dedicated educator who gave in abundance throughout her career to the Howard County Public School System.
2020 Recipient: Abigail M. Freeman, Homewood Center
Gale Freeman… intends to study Film Arts at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)… took third place in FBLA contest… helped win ADCAP Youth Challenge grant… varsity soccer… started the Homewood cooking club… wrote for school newspaper… organized poetry slam at Homewood… certified lifeguard… active in her church youth group…
Mary Ann Levant Marriotts Ridge Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship for senior from Marriotts Ridge is offered in loving memory of Mary Ann Levant, a dedicated educator who gave in abundance throughout her career to the Howard County Public School System.
2020 Recipient: Eunice Y. Ju, Marriotts Ridge HS
Eunice Yu… intends to study Biology at the Cornell University… posted a 3.96 GPA at Marriotts Ridge… National AP Scholar… National Merit Scholar Semifinalist… member of National Honor Society… earned President’s Volunteer Service Award… National Association of Korean Schools Leadership Award… Tri-M Music National Honor Society… violinist in string orchestra… Maryland Senior All-State Orchestra… varsity tennis… very active participant and volunteer at her church… President of East Asian Culture Club… very active community volunteer…
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.
2020 Recipient: Katelin E. Perrigan, Long Reach HS
Katelin Perrigan… intends to study Finance at the University of Maryland… National Honor Society… SGA officer… member of Rho Kappa, the Social Studies National Honor Society and National English Honor Society… member of Long Reach Dance Company… president of National Honor Society of Dance Arts… competitive ballet dancer… earned Vanessa Atterbeary Delegate Scholarship… captain of poms team… member of Future Business Leaders of America… active community volunteer…
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.
2020 Recipient: Jordan F. Kreh, Hammond HS
Jordan Kreh… intends to study Engineering at the University of Maryland… posted a 4.0 GPA at Hammond… member of National Honor Society… member of Hammond SGA… balanced an internship at JHU Applied Physics Lab… member of the math team… officer in the Best Buddies program… captain of the volleyball team… varsity track and field… participated in theater arts… volunteer youth group leader at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church… volunteer with Howard County Libraries…
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.
2020 Recipient: Anna Whitaker, Howard HS
Anna Whitaker… intends to study Special Education at Clemson University… volunteer president with Best Buddies program… volunteer at Special Needs Faith Formation… volunteer basketball coach with Special Olympics… softball player… participated in Allied soccer, bowling and softball programs…
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.
2020 Recipient: Ethan H. Fan, Atholton HS
Ethan Fan… intends to study Biology at the Georgetown University… posted a 4.0 GPA at Atholton… National Merit Finalist… National AP Scholar… president of Toastmasters International… earned Toastmasters Competent Leadership and Competent Communicator awards… president of the Public Speaking Club…president of the Atholton Swim Club… member of Columbia Clippers swim team… member of the Atholton Chamber Orchestra… created and taught a public speaking curriculum to more than 100 first-generation Chinese-American students…
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. There are two recipients in 2020.
2020 Recipient: Makenna A. Hammill, Atholton HS
Makenna Hammill… intends to study Nursing at Towson University… a member of the National Honor Society… member of National Spanish Honor Society… JROTC Officer… class officer in SGA… varsity field hockey… varsity lacrosse… participates on Atholton Swim Club… swim coach volunteer for special needs athletes through Special Olympics… coaches for Clemens Crossing Cyclones in CNSL… recognized as a “Super Plunger” for raising more than $10,000 for Special Olympics in the Polar Bear Plunge… interned at Johns Hopkins Hospital…
2020 Recipient: Shea B. O’Connor, Howard HS
Shea O’Connor… intends to study Biology at the University of Maryland… vice president of the Howard National Honor Society… member of Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society… member of the Science National Honor Society… captain of the field hockey team… captain of the lacrosse team… varsity indoor track… volunteer basketball coach for special needs athletes through Special Olympics… volunteer in Best Buddies program…
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 2020.
2020 Recipient: Madison Garrigus, Atholton HS
Maddie Garrigus… intends to study Marine and Environmental Sciences at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy… posted a 4.0 GPA at Atholton… National Honor Society… National English, Spanish, Technical and Social Studies Honor Societies… class representative in SGA… Principal’s Advisory Committee… earned MPSSAA Minds in Motion scholarship… captain of the indoor and outdoor track & field teams… all-state and all-county in both indoor and outdoor track & field, excelling at high jump and pole vault… set county pole vault record (11’) at 3A regional indoor meet winning the event by four feet… Howard County indoor track & field Athlete of the Year for 2019-20 indoor season… a second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do… very active in her church… active community volunteer…
2020 Recipient: Liza Goldberg, Atholton HS
Liza Goldberg… intends to study Environmental Sciences at Stanford University… posted a 4.0 GPA at Atholton… National Honor Society… National Spanish and Science Honor Societies… contract research scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center… research includes leading a team mapping mangroves to show climate change… works approximately 30 hours per week at NASA… was offered NASA internship at age 14…founder of Google Earth Engine Education Initiative bringing satellite imagery analysis to classrooms around the world…invited lecturer at 13 national and international scientific conferences… invited speaker to 2020 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Stockholm… invited speaker to 2020 IUCN World Conservation Congress in France… earth science guest lecturer, Columbia University and University of Maryland… Baltimore Orioles Community Hero Award…president of Atholton Science Olympiad… competitive swimmer, swimming for Rockville Montgomery Swim Club…
2020 Recipient: Kiana Angela W. Macharia, Oakland Mills HS
Kiana Macharia… intends to study Biomedical Engineering at the University of Chicago… posted a 4.0 GPA at Oakland Mills… National Honor Society… president of the Oakland Mills SGA… secretary of Howard County Association of Student Councils… earned cadet rank of colonel and corps commander in Air Force JROTC… secretary of Delta Scholars… vice president of Junior Achievement… vice president of Black Student Union… captain of soccer team… captain of lacrosse team… captain mock trial team… basketball team manager… active community volunteer…earned Comcast Leaders and Achievers scholarship…
2020 Recipient: Alexa J. Porter, Oakland Mills HS
Alexa Porter… intends to study Biomedical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo… posted a 4.0 GPA at Oakland Mills… president of National Honor Society… captain of swim team… will swim in college at Cal Poly-SLO… swims for prestigious North Baltimore Aquatic Club… wrestling team manager… intern at Howard County General Hospital…peer tutor… active community volunteer…
Vision Financial Group Scholarship – Up to $20,000
This $20,000 scholarship ($5,000/year for four years), is available to a graduating student from Glenelg High School who demonstrates a commitment to community.
2020 Recipient: Harrison M. Young, Glenelg HS
Harrison Young… intends to study Computer Programming at the University of Maryland… posted a 4.0 GPA at Glenelg… National Honor Society… member of National Latin, Math and Tri-M Music Honor Societies… played drums and led the percussion section of Glenelg Jazz Band… section leader of marching band/drumline… highest grade at Howard County Solo and Ensemble Festival… member of Latin Club… volunteered to for pit band of school musicals…
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 in Maryland.
2020 Recipient: Ellen Li, Mt. Hebron HS
Ellen Li… intends to study Business at Carnegie Mellon University… posted a 4.0 GPA at Mt. Hebron… Future Business Leaders of America National Finalist… president of the Mt. Hebron Spanish Honor Society… Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship winner… Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship semifinalist… Rotary Youth Leadership Award recipient… won 1st place in Science Olympiad Write it Do it… ballet dancer at Peabody Preparatory at Johns Hopkins… has placed in international dance competitions… secretary of the Howard County Youth Advisory Council… volunteer president of the Mt. Hebron Ronald McDonald House Club…