Graduation 2011: Seniors Receive Memorial Scholarships

After Broadneck High School principal David Smith introduced participating faculty members and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the recognitions began. Student after student was called to stand and be recognized for their academic achievements and leadership qualities at the annual senior awards ceremony.

“The Class of 2011 has a lot to be proud of,” observed Smith. “You look at all the students who are being recognized and you just have to say ‘wow.’”

All in all, these seniors raised over $10.88 million in scholarships from colleges, universities, the state and federal government, the military, community organizations, and even from local families who has sponsored scholarship programs in memory of loved ones who were once Broadneck students. 

Carol and Steve Auer established the Matt Auer Memorial Scholarship in memory of their son, Matthew, who died unexpectedly at age 21 of cardiac arrhythmia in May 2004. Matt was a lover of photography, and the Auers presented two $1,000 checks to BHS students for their similar excellence in photography:  Rachel Chapman and Kylie Nicholson.

The parents of Galen Blaine, a BHS student who passed away in 2007, presented a scholarship to Grace White, a music student headed to St. Mary's to become a music educator, who, like Galen, loved music and served as an inspiration to others.

Debbie Mellon, mother of 2010 Broadneck graduate Alex Mellon, awarded graduating seniors a $1,000 check in memory of her son who died tragically last fall. Theodore Anna, Joseph DiPaola, Kylie Nicholson, Paige Stephens, and Aneisha Vester received the awards.

The Joe Esterling Scholarship, given out by mother Michelle Esterling, is a memorial award honoring her son Joe who was a member of the Broadneck track team. Philip Tateyama was this year’s recipient, chosen for his desire to succeed, commitment, and character.

The Jason Skarzynski Scholarship is given to students talented in the fields of art and computer science, something Joseph, a former Broadneck student, loved. This year’s winners were Hannah Sturm and Brian Thornton.

Vicki Howard was at the awards to present the J.T. Sackett Soccer Scholarship award, named after her son who was a BHS soccer player and honors graduate, to Cameron Rowe. 

Additional awards given out at the event will be described in our Broadneck Patch “Graduation:  Class of 2011” series that serves as a countdown to graduation the entire week before the BHS graduation on Saturday, June 4.