PRESS RELEASE
SMECO Awards College Scholarships
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) announces the recipients of its scholarships for 2008. Each year, SMECO awards four $1,500 college scholarships to high school seniors who live and attend high school in the Co-op’s service area. SMECO awards scholarships based on applicants’ scholastic achievement, financial need, and school and community involvement.
SMECO has awarded each of the following students a $1,500 college scholarship.
- Robert John Barthelmes, son of Robert and Kathleen Barthelmes of California, Maryland, graduated from Leonardtown High School. Barthelmes was inducted into the National Honor Society in November 2006 and was later named president. Barthelmes was active in sports and was captain of the Leonardtown ice hockey and swim teams. Barthelmes was also a varsity player for the school lacrosse team and a varsity runner on the cross-country team. In addition to his participation in school sports, Barthelmes was treasurer of the French club. To support his community, Barthelmes volunteered as a children’s nursery worker, a relief worker, a missionary, and a Bible school director. He also supported various Southern Maryland charities through his activities with Christmas in April, March of Dimes, and Special Olympics. Barthelmes plans to attend Princeton University in New Jersey.
- Caitlin S. Grace, daughter of Karen and Thomas Grace of Waldorf, graduated from Thomas Stone High School. Grace was inducted into the National Honor Society in her senior year. In addition to her studies, Grace participated in the Rugby, Math, Latin, and Key clubs and was a member of the Vex Robotics Team. Grace supported her community by working with the Lakeside United Methodist Youth Group, where she was named vice president in her junior year. Grace volunteered at Camp Joy and for Glove the Homeless, Hands On People Experience for Our Only Lord and Savior (HOPEFOOLS), and Relay for Life, and participated in various charitable fundraising events. She also acted as a mentor to a fourth-grade MESA team. Grace plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona.
- Adrienne Milner, daughter of Karen and James Summers of Waldorf, graduated from St. Mary’s Ryken High School. Milner was a member of the National Honor Society and worked with the school literary magazine and student newspaper. Milner has been a tutor for first- through sixth-grade students. Milner has also been a peer leader for Community Catholic Youth Ministry and a leader for middle school activities such as lock-ins and retreats. She has participated in various charitable fundraisers with youth involvement. Milner plans to attend St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
- Allison M. Roberts, daughter of Ellen Roberts of Huntingtown, graduated from Huntingtown High School. Roberts has earned numerous scholastic awards during her student career, including the Honors English Student of the Year award in 10 th grade and the Honors Pre-Calculus and Advanced Placement Environmental Science Student of the Year awards in eleventh grade. Roberts was vice president of public relations for DECA—an association made up of marketing students. Roberts has supported her community by volunteering at a homeless shelter and a Rainbowland Kids’ Camp and by participating in a National Honor Society Christmas Reading and Toy Drive. Roberts plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing or advertising at the University of Maryland.
SMECO provides scholarships to local students who excel academically and who show promise in their chosen field of study. Past scholarship winners include teachers, nurses, and a medical doctor.
