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The Cecil College Foundation proudly hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast
in September, at the Rising Sun Banquet Hall, bringing together more than 260
donors, scholarship recipients, Cecil County officials, and College and Foundation
representatives. This special event serves as a platform for scholarship donors to
meet the students whose futures they are helping to shape.
Dr. Mary Way Bolt, Cecil College president, addressed attendees, emphasizing the
profound impact of their contributions. “You are making a difference in the lives of
these young people,” she remarked. “Look around this room at the students who
are sitting with you. I encourage you to talk to them and hear their stories. You have
made it possible for them to have a brighter future.”
This year, the Cecil College Foundation awarded scholarships to 365 students,
totaling an impressive $501,399. Two of these scholarship recipients shared their
inspiring stories with the audience.
Louis Moore, who graduated from Bohemia Manor High School unsure of his ability
to attend college, is now nearing completion of his degree in the management
program. Despite juggling a part-time job and classes, he has maintained an
outstanding 3.75 GPA, a testament to his dedication and the support of his
scholarship.
Delaney Stanley began her educational journey in high school through the dual
enrollment program at Cecil College. Passionate about helping others, she is on
track to graduate in the spring of 2025 with a degree in Elementary Education and
plans to transfer to a four-year institution to further her studies.
In light of the increasing cost of higher education, community colleges are gaining
recognition as vital solutions to the student debt crisis. According to the U.S.
Department of Education, tuition at in-state, four-year colleges has surged by
133 percent since 2005, rising from an average of $5,275 to more than $12,000.
Community colleges, including Cecil College, provide affordable pathways to
quality education, helping students achieve their academic and career goals
without the burden of overwhelming debt.
During the breakfast, the Mary A. Maloney Distinguished Service Award was
presented to the late Phyllis R. Zeise in honor of her philanthropic contributions
and extensive community service. Mrs. Zeise’s legacy is one of profound service
and unwavering commitment. Her contributions to Union Hospital’s Ladies
Auxiliary, the Cecil College Foundation, and her family’s activities reflect a life
lived with purpose and heart. She is a true role model, illustrating that the spirit of
volunteerism and community involvement can enrich not only the lives of those
directly served but also the lives of those who give of themselves so generously.
Hers was a life dedicated to making a difference, a life marked by service,
leadership, and a passion for helping others. Her story is a reminder of the
profound impact one individual can have on their community, and her legacy will
undoubtedly inspire future generations to follow in her footsteps.
The event concluded with the presentation of Health Education Lift Program
(HELP) Fund Awards to incoming nursing students, equipping them with essential
tools for their program, including stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs. The Cecil
College Foundation is actively seeking additional donors to enhance the HELP
Fund and expand its support for students.
The Cecil College Foundation Board of Directors, comprising 25 community
leaders, is dedicated to developing financial resources to support Cecil College
students. To learn more about giving at Cecil College, please visit www.cecil.edu/
foundation.
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