Washington D.C. National Naval Officers Association Presents Scholarships To Local College-Bound Seniors

From Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association (DCNNOA) awarded 29 scholarships during the 26th Annual Ester Boone Memorial Scholarship Banquet held May 3.

Over $45,000 in scholarships were presented to college-bound high school seniors from Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., with recipients receiving awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

"The NNOA and Navy have long recognized the value and benefits of a college education," said Vice Admiral Michelle Howard, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5), the event's keynote speaker. "These awards celebrate not only the past achievements of these outstanding young men and women, but are DCNNOA's active investment in their future."

The DCNNOA scholarships are made possible due to generous private and corporate donations. Many of the scholarships are based on criteria developed by the donors, such as academic proficiency, extracurricular activities, community service, and financial need.

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) scholarships were awarded to highly qualified high school seniors who demonstrated scholastic aptitude and planned to major in a STEM related area of study.

Two $5,000 STEM scholarships were awarded to Helen Jung, from McLean High School, and Ade Samuel, from Herndon High School. Jung has a 4.24 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society and the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and plans to major in biology when she enters college. Samuel's accomplishments include a 4.39 GPA, membership in the National Honor Society, and a 2nd place finish in the Fairfax County Regional Science Fair (Environmental Management). He plans to major in chemical engineering.

Scholarship recipients demonstrated a wide range of interests and activities, to include leadership positions in student government and engineering and linguistic clubs; success as varsity athletes; participation in military JROTC programs; musical and artistic achievement; and volunteer support at libraries, hospitals, writing centers and food kitchens.

"The students we are honoring tonight are truly an inspiration," said Capt. (ret) Tom Abernethy, DCNNOA president. "We are grateful to their parents, educators and mentors. We thank the community organizations committed to promoting the value of education and for partnering with us. We look forward to strengthening these partnerships and continuing to help develop leaders of character."

The National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) actively supports the sea services in the development of a diverse officer corps through recruitment, mentoring, and professional development. Since its founding in 1972, NNOA has established and maintained a positive image of the sea services in the local community. The organization is sanctioned by the Secretaries of the Navy and Transportation and is a member of the Navy and Marine Corps Council.