MCPS Educational Foundation Celebrates Scholars
The Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation brought together 86 new and continuing scholars to meet the legislators who funded their college scholarships, at an event in Gaithersburg. The partnership between the Foundation, Maryland state lawmakers and Montgomery County Public Schools has continued since 2007 and was celebrated at the Barking Mad Café restaurant in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, June 27.
“This scholarship changed my life,” said Daniela Belmonte-Rangel, a 2012 graduate of Watkins Mill High School, from the event stage. “I had never thought of myself as someone who would really crack a book, or attend college, but this opportunity was truly inspiring and I am forever grateful.”
Daniela is the Dr. Edward and Mildred Cafritz Family Foundation Scholar, and a continuing scholarship recipient, who is expected to graduate from Salisbury University in 2018.
Among the Maryland state lawmakers and scholarship partners attending the event were scholarship partners Delegates Aruna Miller; James Gilchrest; Pamela Queen; and Jheanelle Wilkins. Miller, who also serves on the MCPS Educational Foundation Board of Directors told the audience present how she enjoyed making this opportunity available to students.
Also attending were Rebecca Smondrowski and Patricia O'Neill, who serve on both the board of the MCPS Educational Foundation and the Montgomery County Board of Education. They were joined by fellow Board of Education members Jill Ortman-Fouse and Dr. Judy Docca.
Leigh, Pete, and Weston Henry hosted the reception which drew some 100 people for music, mingling, food and most importantly, meeting the scholars.
(A list of scholars is at the bottom of this article)
See a gallery of photos from the event.
See a gallery of social media about the event.
