AFCEA DC AWARDS 17 SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Association Invests $119,000 to Promote Higher Education in Technology and the Hard Sciences

AFCEA DC AWARDS 17 SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Association Invests $119,000 to Promote Higher Education in Technology and the

Hard Sciences

Washington, DC — May 7, 2008 — The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association’s DC Chapter (AFCEA DC), a non-profit association focused on promoting higher education in the hard sciences, mathematics, computer technology, and engineering, today announced its 2008 scholarship recipients.  The Chapter selected 17 seniors from 15 high schools throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area for their outstanding performance.  AFCEA DC is committing a total of $119,000 to its 2008 scholarship program, bringing the Chapter’s donations to $1,681,000 since 1989. 

            “AFCEA DC is focused on giving back to our community, as well as helping to shape the scientists and technologists of tomorrow,” said Mike Kush, President, AFCEA DC.  “As a Chapter, our goal is to conduct highly successful events throughout the year in order to increase funding into our scholarship program – this year was no exception.  We would like to congratulate the 2008 AFCEA DC scholarship winners, and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.  These young students are the future leaders of our industry and the Nation.” 

            As part of AFCEA International, AFCEA DC supports a comprehensive scholarship program promoting all-around academic excellence and higher education in hard sciences, mathematics, computers, IT, and engineering.  To date, AFCEA DC’s scholarship program has helped send 264 students from 91 Washington, DC area high schools onto higher education at 63 U.S. colleges/universities.  Students are selected based on academic achievements, school activities, letters of recommendation, part-time work, and community/civic activities for the $7,000 scholarships.  AFCEA DC raises funds for the scholarship program by hosting year round events and by securing corporate donations from its member base.

The 2008 scholarship winners include (listed by field of study):

Aerospace Engineering

·         Bruno R. Bambaren, West Springfield HS, Cornell University

·         Jonathan E. Vocke, Seneca Valley HS, University of Maryland

Biochemistry

·         Kendra A. Mendez, Academy of Holy Cross HS, Columbia University

Biomedical Engineering

·         Kelley M. Heffner, Clarksburg HS, University of Maryland

·         Obinna J. Ukwuani, McKinley Technology HS, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Chemistry

·         Marjan F. Darab, Falls Church HS, Virginia Commonwealth University

·         Liesl F. Diefenderfer, Osburn Park HS, Virginia Tech

Computer Science

·         Lishan B. Amde, Paint Branch HS, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Electrical Engineering

·         James M. Junyszek, Lake Braddock HS, University of California, Irvine

Engineering

·         Evan G. Heflin, Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Technology, University of Pennsylvania

·         Alisha L. Henderson, Potomac HS, University of Virginia

·         Lisa M. Loman, Paul VI HS, Georgia Institute of Technology

·         Marc J. Lowen, Schooled at Home, Virginia Tech

Mathematics

·         Christine A. Moore, Lake Braddock HS, Oberlin College

Mechanical Engineering

·         Hannah G. Henningsgard, Damascus HS, University of Maryland

Physics

·         Allison N. Deshler, James Hubert Blake HS, University of Maryland

Systems Engineering

·         Elizabeth A. Khol, James Madison HS, Rochester Institute of Technology

      The scholarship presentation will take place during the AFCEA DC luncheon on Monday, May 12, 2008 at the Pentagon City Ritz Carlton from 12:00 – 1:30 pm.  The luncheon will feature a keynote presentation by RADM Elizabeth Hight, Vice Director, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), followed by the awarding of the scholarships with assistance from DISA Director Lt. Gen. Charlie Croom.  The luncheon is for attribution and all press are welcome to attend.  Please RSVP to A.J. Guenther at 703-742-7184 or aj@connellyworks.com if you are interested in attending.

About AFCEA DC
AFCEA DC represents the professional communications, electronics, intelligence, and information systems community.  The Chapter holds regular luncheon meetings that provide a forum in which government, association, and industry leaders can meet to exchange ideas and concepts, discuss current problems and solutions, and identify future requirements in all technical disciplines.  The AFCEA Forum encourages and enhances open dialogue essential to national and international cooperation and security.  These monthly meetings feature individual and panel speakers that cover current topics in industry.  For additional information on AFCEA DC’s programs and activities, go to www.afceadc.org.

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