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By LaToya Martin
Summer is here and graduation has come. Now is the time for students to embark upon the college experience and a new life of academia. The Phi Sigma Pi, Alpha Tau Chapter Endowment Fund, Inc takes great pleasure in assisting two wonderful students in that journey with our 2009-2010 scholarships.
Our first recipient, Ashley Mayo, graduated with honors and in the top 10% of her class on June 2, 2010 from Benjamin Banneker Academic Senior High School in Washington, DC. She was enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Pre-College program at Banneker and maintained a cumulative 3.8 GPA, an achievement reflected in her placement on the honor roll and Principal Accommodation's Lists. She was involved in a myriad of leadership and extra-curricular activities, including serving as the Vice-President of her high school National Honor Society Chapter and holding membership in both the Spanish Honor Society and National Achievers Society. She was also chairperson of the Flute Ensemble, member of the Tennis Team, and an active participant in the Drama Club. Ms. Mayo's community involvement is just as impressive. She regularly volunteers at Gage Eckington Elementary School, the Council of the District of Columbia, The National Red Cross, The Girl Scouts of America (where she was named Girl Scout of the Year in 2007), and with The Mount Pleasant Baptist Church (where she was named Youth of The Year). Ashley will be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the Fall and plans to major in Psychology or Physical therapy and ultimately give back to the community that has given so much to her.
Our second recipient, Juan Lara, graduated with honors within the Transportation & Technology Academy from Francis L. Cardozo Senior High School in Washington, DC. Juan maintained a cumulative 3.6 GPA and was active in numerous activities including the National Honor Society, FIRST Robotics, Junior ROTC, and played on both the Basketball and Baseball teams. Moreover, Juan received numerous awards and recognition for perfect attendance, being placed on the Honor Roll, and achievement in mathematics. His community involvement is just as inspiring. He has volunteered with So Others Might Eat (SOME) and the Neighbors of Seaton Place, where he interacts with children at the local recreation center. While volunteering with this organization, he was recognized by the Director for creating business and community planning projects. Juan has also completed an internship with the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority. He will be attending the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore in the Fall and plans to major in Business Management, eventually becoming an entrepreneur. Juan believes that "a college education will prepare him for his ultimate goal - to gain higher education while inspiring future generations."
Let’s congratulate our recipients and wish them well on their college endeavors.
