Washington, DC — May 9, 2007 — The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association’s (AFCEA) DC Chapter, a non-profit association focused on promoting higher education in the hard sciences, mathematics, computer technology, and engineering, today announced its 2007 scholarship recipients.  The Chapter selected 14 seniors from 12 high schools throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area for their outstanding performance.  The AFCEA DC Chapter is committing a total of $84,000 to its 2007 scholarship program, bringing the Chapter’s donations to $1,562,000 since 1989.

    “Professionals in the field of Information Technology (IT), engineering, mathematics, and science continue to be a growing necessity with the advancements in today’s market,” said Alan Balutis, President, AFCEA DC Chapter.  “The AFCEA DC Chapter is committed to doing our part in supporting the Washington-metro area students looking to become leaders in these competencies.  The 2007 scholarship awardees have shown determination, dedication, and motivation and are well deserving of this honor.”

    As part of AFCEA International, the DC Chapter supports a comprehensive scholarship program promoting all-around academic excellence and higher education in hard sciences, mathematics, computers, IT, and engineering.  To date, the AFCEA DC Chapter’s scholarship program has helped send 247 students from over 87 Washington, DC area high schools to roughly 60 different U.S. colleges/universities.  Students are selected based on academic achievements, school activities, letters of recommendation, part-time work, and community/civic activities.  The AFCEA DC Chapter raises funds for the scholarship program by hosting year round events and by securing corporate donations from its member base.

The 2007 scholarship winners include:

2007 Scholarship Award Winners (Listed by Field of Study)

Aerospace Engineering

• Anthony Matteo DeGennaro, Bishop McNamara HS – Forestville, Maryland, University of Virginia

Biomedical Engineering

• Rishi K. Jain, Watkins Mill HS – Gaithersburg, Maryland, Case Western Reserve University
• Sharika Brenda Smith, Fairfax HS – Fairfax, Virginia, University of Virginia

Chemical Engineering

• Mark I. Conley, Tuscarora HS – Frederick, Maryland, University of Maryland

Electrical Engineering

• Alexander Scott Behnaz, Oakton HS – Vienna, Virginia, George Mason University

• Thomas Patrick Junyszek, Lake Braddock HS – Burke, Virginia, University of Southern California – Los Angeles

• Ivan I. Papusha, Thomas Jefferson Science and Technology HS – Alexandria, Virginia, Stanford University

Engineering

• Kara Marie Graber, James W. Robinson Secondary – Fairfax, Virginia, University of Virginia
• Alexandria Nicole Grace, Central Senior HS – Capitol Heights, Maryland, North Carolina A&T State University
• Rohini Manaktala, Stonewall Jackson HS – Manassas, Virginia, University of Virginia

Mathematics

• Jillian E. Cairns, Foxcroft School – Middleburg, Virginia, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 
• Yael Gilboa, Thomas Jefferson Science and Technology HS – Alexandria, Virginia, Harvey Mudd College

Mechanical Engineering

• Walter Patrick Rosas, Centreville HS – Clifton, Virginia, Carnegie Mellon University

Physics

• Jennifer Tran, Washington-Lee HS – Arlington, Virginia, University of Virginia

Special Recognition – $500 award for books

• Andrew J. Dupree, Bishop McNamara HS – Forestville, Maryland, University of Maryland, Computer Engineering

The scholarship presentation will take place during the AFCEA DC Chapter luncheon on Monday, May 14, 2007 at the Pentagon City Ritz Carlton from 12:00 – 1:30 pm.  The luncheon will feature a keynote presentation by ADM Edmond P. Giambastiani, Jr., USN, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  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 Chapter

The AFCEA DC Chapter 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 the DC Chapter’s programs and activities, go to www.afceadc.org.