Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has awarded four scholarships to high school seniors for 2015. Each year, SMECO awards four $1,500 college scholarships to students who live in the Co-op’s service area. Scholarships are based on the applicants’ scholastic achievement, financial need, and school and community involvement. SMECO has awarded scholarships to 92 students over the past 22 years. Each of the following students will receive a $1,500 college scholarship.
Jordan Parker, daughter of Robert and Stephanie Parker of La Plata, graduated from McDonough High School. An accomplished pianist, Parker’s talent for composing and playing music enables her to perform for residents of the Genesis Health Center on weekends. She participated in the varsity swim team, Envirothon, and It’s Academic, and she tutors Spanish-speaking English language learners. According to Bradley Snow, McDonough High School principal, “Jordan has created a balance between her passion for the arts while maintaining academic rigor by participating in some of our most challenging courses. She has displayed exceptional leadership qualities in school and in extracurricular activities.” Parker plans to attend St. Mary’s College of Maryland in St. Mary’s City to study English education.
Melanie Lippert, daughter of Richard and Catherine Lippert of St. Leonard, graduated from Calvert High School. She competed in varsity soccer, tennis, and swim teams. She participated in Key Club, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Community Mentorship program. Lippert received several honors and awards, including Minds in Motion Scholar Athlete, AP Scholar with Distinction, and Calvert High School Change Maker. She volunteers with the Mechanicsville Optimist Club and the Calvert Animal Welfare League, and she has interned at the Calvert Recorder newspaper and Calvert Physical Therapy. Mark Vorensky, physical therapist, said, “Melanie redefined the term ‘job shadowing.’ She asked questions that were thoughtful, challenging, and relevant. I was always pushed to keep up with her questions, which made me a better clinician. Melanie showed a distinct passion for our work in the clinic, but more importantly, she has an incredible curiosity and passion for learning. I know that Melanie will not only succeed, she will elevate those around her.” Lippert plans to study biology at the University of Richmond in Virginia.
Annie Rose Yates, daughter of Ronald and Mary Yates of Solomons, graduated from St. Mary’s Ryken. She received the president scholar award and was a member of the National Honor Society. Yates participated in varsity lacrosse and swim teams, and she is involved with Christmas in April projects, Best Buddies Club, tutoring, and fundraising for her club and church activities. “Annie displays an acute analytical mind when delving into any science problem. Her research, experimentation skills, and attention to detail far exceed what I normally see in an AP student,” said Susan McEvoy, science teacher at St. Mary’s Ryken. Yates plans to study elementary/special education at Loyola University of Maryland in Baltimore.
Ricardo McNutt, son of Robert and Iliana McNutt of Lexington Park, graduated from The King’s Christian Academy. McNutt participated in varsity soccer, varsity track, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the National Honor Society. He has traveled to the Philippines and Ecuador for mission trips. He is interested in computers and coding, and he loves to play and write music. According to Kevin Fry, Administrator at The King’s Christian Academy, “Ricky is gifted in many ways, including a high intellect and a penchant for problem solving. He has taken our most challenging class load, and he has excelled in the arts, as well. His interests and abilities are extremely diverse.” McNutt plans to study music and computer engineering at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
SMECO provides scholarships to local students who excel academically and who show promise in their chosen field of study. Past scholarship winners include teachers, nurses, and a medical doctor.