The chapter welcomed back its annual Scholarship Awards Dinner at the Water's Edge Events Center River Watch facility in June. Held for the first time since 2019 and generously sponsored by Data Systems Analysts Inc. (DSA), this event offered an opportunity to celebrate the recipients of the chapter's STEM Education scholarship and grants.
In 2024, the chapter donated $30,000 in scholarships to local high school and college students and welcomed several of its 2023 recipients to this year's event. Chapter Vice President of Education David Patrick, assisted by DSA Chief Operating Officer Kathleen Kirk, presented certificates of recognition to all recipients, including 2024 graduates from Havre de Grace High, Bel Air High and Aberdeen High; rising sophomores at the University of Delaware and the University of Maryland College Park; and returning 2023 awardees formerly of Aberdeen High, Fallston High, Notre Dame Preparatory High and Edgewood High.
The evening's program was flanked by a keynote address from Bharat Patel, product lead for Project Linchpin under Program Executive Office, Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors, and a closing address by former chapter scholarship recipient Matthew Patrick, computer scientist, Army Futures Command. Both speakers addressed topics of professional development, including the importance of taking risks in your career, pursuing higher education and certifications and finding a mentor. They also shared how they reached their own career goals.
The chapter wishes to thank event sponsor DSA, Water's Edge Events Center, Patel and Patrick for giving their time, resources, and energy to help the chapter recognize and celebrate its student awardees. Chapter President Lauren Beward would also like to thank the volunteer planning committee for this event, including Patrick, Vice President of Sponsorship Tom Reed, Emerging Leaders President Joe Robak, Treasurer Laura Thomas and photographer Francine Higbee. Finally, the chapter wants to congratulate all of its awardees for their outstanding academic achievements and wish them continued success as they take the next steps in their professional and academic careers.
|
