Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation and College of Southern Maryland Foundation Award Scholarships to Local Students

Waldorf, MD – On the evening of September 6, 2023, the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation and the College of Southern Maryland Foundation came together to host a prestigious scholarship awards ceremony at the Greater Jaycees Community Center. The event, which began at 6 p.m., marked a momentous occasion for the community as numerous deserving local students were honored and provided with opportunities to further their education.

The Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation has a long-standing commitment to empowering youth and supporting education in the Waldorf area. Teaming up with the College of Southern Maryland Foundation, this year’s scholarship awards aimed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, community involvement, and dedication to personal growth.

As the clock struck 6 p.m., the Greater Jaycees Community Center buzzed with excitement as scholarship recipients, their families, local dignitaries, and community members gathered to celebrate the achievements of these talented students. The event was a blend of first- and second-year scholarship recipients, speeches, and heartfelt moments.

Addressing the audience, Kevin Wedding, President of the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation, welcomed guests, speakers and scholars.

Kevin Wedding, a prominent figure in the Waldorf community, is known for his dedication to youth development and education. As he mingled with the scholarship recipients and their families, he shared his own experiences and offered words of encouragement. His presence was a testament to the community’s commitment to nurturing the potential of its young talents.

Dr. Yolanda Wilson, another respected guest, is a well-regarded educator and advocate for educational equity. Her insights into the importance of education and the opportunities it can provide resonated deeply with the scholarship recipients. Dr. Wilson’s involvement in the event reaffirmed the belief that education is a powerful tool for personal and societal advancement.One of the highlights of the evening was when the student speaker, Jasmine Sciarillo took the stage to share her story and aspirations. As a current student and recipient of the foundation’s support, Jasmin’s speech resonated deeply with the audience. She received the greater water JC’s Foundation scholarship last year Jasmine graduated from CSM in May 2023 with an Associate of applied science in cyber security and she’s currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and digital forensics with a minor.

She shared her personal journey, highlighting the impact that scholarships and community support can have on an individual’s pursuit of higher education. Jasmin’s words were a reminder that the scholarships awarded that evening were not just financial assistance but a symbol of belief in the potential of each student.The partnership between the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation and the College of Southern Maryland Foundation has grown stronger over the years, and the success of this scholarship awards ceremony is a testament to the shared commitment to nurturing local talent.

ABOUT Jasmine Sciarillo

Jasmine Sciarillo, a proud member of the College of Southern Maryland’s Class of 2023, stands before you tonight as a grateful recipient of the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation and CSN Foundation Scholarship. This recognition has played a pivotal role in shaping her academic journey.

The Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation and CSN Foundation Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and excel academically. These are qualities that every scholarship recipient in this room possesses.

Jasmine embarked on her academic journey at the College of Southern Maryland in August 2022. In the span of just one academic year, by June 2023, she earned an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity. You might be wondering how she achieved such a remarkable feat. The answer lies in Jasmine’s unwavering dedication and a strong foundation. Before her studies at CSM, he attended North Point High School in Charles County, where she spent four years in the Systems Networking Academy. Prior to college, Jasmine obtained four crucial Information Technology certifications: Certified Network Associate, Security Plus, A Plus, and Amazon Web Services Certified Practitioner. These certifications not only equipped her with essential skills for her career but also set the tone for her academic pursuits.

Being a recipient of this scholarship played a crucial role in financing Jasmine’s education at CSM. While she attended classes full-time, she also worked full-time as a Computer Analyst for Charles County Public Schools.

Jasmine’s experiences and education, both through North Point High School and her certifications, prepared her for her future career. Scholarships like the one from the Greater Waldorf Jaycees and CSM Foundation enabled her to study her passion, gain valuable work experience, and save money for her future.

She successfully transferred all her credits to Stevenson University, where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, with a minor in Software Design. As she begins this new chapter, Jasmine carries not only the knowledge She’s acquired but also the connections with incredible individuals who have supported her along the way.

Her commitment to community service and academic excellence led to her recognition as the 2022 Miss Teen Philippines America. Through various charity events, she found purpose in helping others and strengthened her dedication to advocating for social service. These initiatives paved the way for her to be the student speaker tonight.

Jasmine extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation and the CSN Foundation for their unwavering financial support and for fostering a nurturing educational environment. She recognizes that their dedication has enabled students like herself to access the high-quality education offered by the College of Southern Maryland.

She also expresses her deep appreciation to her mother for her continuous belief in her potential. Her unwavering support has been the guiding light leading her to her accomplishments. To her father, Jasmine extends her gratitude for instilling in her an optimistic outlook on life, reminding her daily to aspire to achieve greatness. She also thanks her brother, Jason, for being a source of constant joy and support.

To the 2023 scholarship recipients, Jasmine offers her heartfelt congratulations.

She encourages them to lay the foundation for the life of your dreams, give back to the community, and strive for academic excellence. She wishes them abundant success in your endeavors.

In addition to the scholarships, the event also featured a networking reception, local Charles County representatives from Charles County Public Schools, the Charles County government represented by President, Commissioner Reuben Collins and Vice-President, Commissioner Ralp Patterson. The reception allowed students to connect with donors and professionals further enhancing their educational journey.

In a short interview with vice-president, commissioner Ralp Patterson, who expressed his pride and gratitude for the organization’s continued ability to invest in the future of the community. “Education is the cornerstone of progress, and by awarding these scholarships, we are investing in the future leaders and innovators of Southern Maryland,” he remarked.As the evening came to a close, attendees left the Greater Jaycees Community Center with a sense of pride, knowing that their community’s future is in capable hands. The 2023 Scholarship Awards by the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Foundation and the College of Southern Maryland Foundation not only recognized excellence but also served as a reminder that when the community comes together to support education, the possibilities for growth and success are limitless.

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