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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2017

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Lauren Williams
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HOC Honors Tony S. Davis Memorial Scholarship Winners

On Wednesday, July 12, 2017, Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC) honored the winners of the 2017 Tony S. Davis Memorial Scholarship. These deserving high school seniors were selected based on their academic success, contributions to the community, and vision for the future.

 

HOC established the Tony S. Davis Scholarship as a tribute to the extensive community service record of former HOC staff member Tony S. Davis, who was tragically killed in 2000. Mr. Davis was widely recognized for his years of volunteer work in the Seneca Ridge community in Germantown. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of residents and served as a role model to many who lived there. These three college-bound scholarship winners have exhibited the same passion for making a difference in their own community.

The award recipients and their families were honored with a reception Wednesday evening, where they had the opportunity to meet with HOC Commissioners and staff before receiving their awards at HOC’s July Commission meeting. HOC Commission Chair Jackie Simon presented two awards of $2,500 to winners Matthew Sulio of Silver Spring and Joshua Santandrea of Gaithersburg. One award of $5,000 was presented to Rose Makor of Olney, who told the Commission the award would help her attend Penn State University in the fall and put her on the path toward her dream of becoming a doctor.

“As an organization committed to providing excellent service to the community, it’s a joy to see that same dedication embodied in our Tony Davis Scholarship winners,” said Executive Director Stacy L. Spann. “HOC is proud to help its students become good civic leaders. We know that when folks are stably housed, they can focus on moving the goals they have for themselves and their family.  We are proud to be a small part of that for these young folks.”

HOC is proud to announce the following award recipients:

Rose Makor 
Rose is a June graduate of Sherwood High School in Olney, Maryland.  She has overcome many obstacles as a young woman from a traditional Liberian family that moved to the United States in 2006. Rose has participated in several extracurricular activities including “Give to Live” Club President, Math Honor Society, Black Student Union Treasurer, and Doctors of Tomorrow Treasurer.  In addition to participating in extracurricular activities and working part time, Rose also completed a remarkable 551 hours of community service and is the recipient of the Versatility Achievement Award from the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  She has a 3.64 GPA and plans to attend Penn State University in the fall.  Rose is receiving The Tony Davis Memorial Scholarship award in the amount of $5,000. 

Matthew Sulio
Matthew is a June graduate of John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. Matthew maintained a 3.15 GPA and was on the honor roll every quarter throughout his four years of high school.  He also participated in several extracurricular activities including Varsity Football, Wrestling, Robotics Club, ROTC, and National Society for High School Scholars.  In addition to participating in extracurricular activities, Matthew also completed 325 hours of community service and is the recipient of the African American Achievement Award.  He has a 3.15 GPA and plans to attend Shenandoah University in the fall.  Matthew is receiving The Tony Davis Memorial Scholarship award in the amount of $2,500.

Joshua Santandrea 
Joshua is a June graduate of Gaithersburg High School in Gaithersburg, Maryland.  Despite many personal struggles, Joshua was able to maintain a 3.2 GPA while taking all advanced and honors level courses. He also participated in several extracurricular activities including Varsity Football, Bible Group, Homework Club, Robotics Club, Tech & Computer Coding, Architecture and CAD.  In addition to participating in extracurricular activities, Joshua traveled daily to the Thomas Edison School of Technology for specialized study in Architectural and Computer Assisted Drafting.  He also participated in designing a house that must meet the established standards of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services.  He plans to attend Merrimack College in the fall.  Joshua is receiving The Tony Davis Memorial Scholarship award in the amount of $2,500.