Chapter Provides a Unique Scholarships Presentation

This May, the chapter held two significant events recognizing the tremendous achievements of fourteen high school seniors. These events would normally be held within a large banquet setting, allowing parents, grandparents, teachers, school counselors, sponsors and elected officials to attend. Due to the health crisis, this was not possible this year, so other alternatives were explored and executed flawlessly. The chapter first recognized the students during a live broadcast by local television station, KTBS. This broadcast was hosted by local television personality, Rick Rowe, and filmed at the Cyber Innovation Center, one of the area's most preeminent locations for technological collaboration amongst government, private industry, and academia. The theme for this first event was "The Best and Brightest," and during this live broadcast, the 14 students were presented with a check for $2,000 through the generosity and support of local and national sponsors, some of them giants in aviation. In addition, each student gave remarks on their respective scholastic journey, plans for the future, and goals to be trailblazers. The second event was the virtual scholarship presentation held via Zoom. The guest speaker was none other than AFCEA International President and CEO Lt. Gen. Robert M. Shea, USMC (Ret.). Gen. Shea talked about the history, celebrating the 75th anniversary, and global security initiatives undertaken by AFCEA International. He stressed the importance of maintaining competitive advantage with representatives in over 130 countries. He also mentioned the importance of the relationships built over the years with the Pentagon and the challenges presented by the changing world order and those countries that do not play by established norms. The chapter was grateful to have Gen. Shea speak to the scholarship recipients, and they appreciated his insight and congratulations. The chapter is glad to be able adapt to the environment and continue to give scholarships to deserving local students while providing new and unique opportunities for their recognition.

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