Samuel Ready Scholarships – Summer 2019 Newsletter
Events
Samuel Ready Scholarships Spring Tea
On Monday, April 15, Samuel Ready Scholarships, Inc. (SRSI) celebrated its Scholars and their families at the annual spring awards tea held at The Bryn Mawr School. This is one of two annual events the Board holds for its Scholars. (There is also a fall picnic in early September.) Over 100 people attended, including Samuel Ready Scholars and their families, members of the Board of Trustees, supported school officials and foundation sponsors.
Judith C. Ensor, President of SRSI (left), welcomed the attendees and thanked the staff of The Bryn Mawr School and event chair Sue Murk as well as the corporate and foundation supporters of SRSI. Shara Kohn Duncan, a 1989 Samuel Ready Scholar and graduate of the Bryn Mawr School, was the keynote speaker. Shara Kohn earned her bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College. Today she is the Head of School at the New Century School in Baltimore.
SRSI also had an inspiring closing address from Ms. Ensor. Please read her remarks below:
It literally seems like just yesterday that we were all together for our annual picnic. We were catching up with returning scholars, welcoming new ones, and wishing you all an interesting, productive, and successful school year.
And now that school year is closing. You have worked hard. You have excelled in your studies. You have become leaders in your school communities and beyond. You have danced, sung, acted, and played. You have impressed and amazed us.
We are so happy to celebrate you today. We are particularly happy to celebrate our seniors as you finish your high school careers and head off to college.
As you know, Samuel Ready Scholarships, Inc. supports six of the area's finest independent schools. That support in rough numbers reached approximately $750,000 and allowed for 27 scholars during this 2018-19 school year.
The truth is that we couldn't offer that significant support without the commitment, dedication and vision of others—others who steadfastly support our mission of providing outstanding educational opportunities to girls and young women. We are so grateful to our partners, including the Jane Egenton Foundation, Legg Mason Global Asset Management, the Thomas Wilson Foundation, the Pittsburgh Foundation, Gallagher, Evelius & Jones, LLP, the Miles & Stockbridge Foundation, Shore United Bank, United Way of Central MD, Benjamin F. Edwards & Co., and McCormick & Co.
We are particularly grateful to Legg Mason for hosting the annual Legg Mason Mentor Day—an absolutely incredible event for our juniors and seniors—and to McCormick & Co. for hosting an informative and inspiring STEM mentoring morning every other year for our 8th, 9th and 10th graders.
Recently, Samuel Ready Scholarships lost someone very special—Rebecca Gale Powel. Becky served on the Samuel Ready Scholarships Board for over ten years. Her connection to Samuel Ready was strong and deep. When Becky was 11, her mother passed away. Soon after that, Becky became a boarding student at what was then the Samuel Ready School for Girls. She graduated in 1955 and went on to become a registered nurse.
After the Samuel Ready School closed, Becky served on the Samuel Ready Scholarships Board. She served on almost every board committee, including Scholarship, Development, and Events & Awards. Becky was instrumental in establishing both the annual picnic and tea.
Becky was tireless. No job was too big or too small for her. Everything she did, she did with love and passion. After officially retiring from the board, Becky remained very much involved. By way of example, she wrote meaningful, heartfelt letters of thanks on behalf of the board. She continued to attend the picnic and the tea. Last year, despite dealing with some significant health concerns, Becky presented one of our prestigious scholar awards.
Throughout her life, Becky made people feel included and welcomed. She was bold, passionate, undaunted, kind, funny, engaged and engaging. She overcame challenges. She had no time for self-pity. Becky had a huge heart; she touched countless lives. She made a real difference. And everything she did she did with purpose. Even if you didn't have the pleasure and privilege of knowing Becky, if you are in any way associated with Samuel Ready, you have benefitted from Becky's kindness and grace. Becky lived life in abundance. She did ordinary things extraordinarily well. And there is a lesson in that for all of us. Do ordinary things extraordinarily well. Be more like Becky.
Congratulations to all of our scholars and especially to our seniors. We are excited for you as you take this next step. We know that you are ready. You have been well-prepared by your schools and genuinely supported by everyone in this room. We are rooting for you. Go do extraordinary things, but don't forget to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.
Awards presented at the spring tea:
- Louise Myerberg Award is given to a Scholar who has exhibited exceptional creativity in the arts during Upper School. The award is named in honor of Mrs. Louise Myerberg, a Baltimore artist. — Lauren McEachin, Garrison Forest School
- Evalina & Harold Jones Award is given to a Scholar who has made significant or comprehensive contributions to her school. — Sanaa Hardy, Roland Park Country School
- Mabel C. Hunter Award is given to a Scholar who has demonstrated exceptional service to the community. — Adrian Johnson, St. Paul's School for Girls
- Arthur D. Stebbins Award is given to a Scholar who has exhibited exceptional leadership. — Nia Lewis, St. Paul's School for Girls
- Sylvia Hacket Award is given to a Scholar in the ninth, tenth, or eleventh grade who has exhibited superior scholarship. — Noran Shalby, The Bryn Mawr School
- Frances S. Meginnis Award is considered the most prestigious of the annual awards and is presented to a graduating, senior Scholar who has exhibited superior Scholarship with contributions to school, community service and leadership. — Oluchi Ogbonna, The Bryn Mawr School
Off to College
All five of the Samuel Ready Scholars who graduated in June 2019, will matriculate to colleges and universities this fall. Once again, a 100% rate of high school graduation and matriculation to college!
Oluchi Ogbonna
The Bryn Mawr School, Johns Hopkins University
Alanni Thomas
Friends School of Baltimore, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Lauren McEachin
Garrison Forest School, Wake Forest
Ayomide Bosede
Institute of Notre Dame, Towson University
Jaelah Jupiter
Institute of Notre Dame, University of Maryland College Park
New Board Members
Joanne P. Bartlett
Supported School Trustee for St. Paul's School for Girls
Joanne Bartlett is a former college counselor, coach, and teacher at SPSG. Ms. Bartlett has been the president of the Board of Trustees of SPSG for the past two years and a Trustee since 2013. As CEO, Ms. Bartlett is an ex-officio member of each standing committee. Prior to serving as SPSG's Board president, she was chair of the SPSG Trusteeship and Governance Committee. Ms. Bartlett has a B.A. from Denison University (1983) and a M. Ed. from Loyola University (1990). She was a teacher and tutor at the Odyssey School from 2002-2006.
Melissa Copeland
Supported School Trustee for Friends School of Baltimore
Melissa K. Copeland has been an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City since 2014. Prior to her appointment to the Circuit Court, Judge Copeland served as an Associate Judge with the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore City, from 2012 to 2014. She is a member of the Public Awareness Committee and Maryland Judicial Conference Committee. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she was an Assistant State's Attorney for Baltimore City, serving as the Deputy Division Chief for the Narcotics Division and the Economic Crimes Division. She served as a Court-appointed Civil Mediator in Baltimore City Circuit Court from 2007-2012. She has volunteered with Maryland Volunteer Lawyers and The Pro Bono Resource Center. Judge Copeland is a life-long resident of Baltimore City and a mentor. She serves on the Board of Trustees of Friends School of Baltimore.
April Fahr
April Fahr, a former Samuel Ready Scholar from 6th-12th grade, is an Executive Director, overseeing Morgan Stanley's Wealth Management Anti-Money Laundering Risk group based in Baltimore. She joined Morgan Stanley in March 2018 subsequent to serving over 20 years in multiple capacities in the financial services industry as a registered representative, compliance officer and regulator. Previously, she worked for a consulting firm as a Director in its Global Investigations and Compliance practice; AML Compliance Officer for Deutsche Bank Alex. Brown; and investigator for the FINRA Enforcement Department. Ms. Fahr has served on Deutsche Bank and Navigant's Diversity Councils as a senior leader. She actively volunteers for Dance Happens, Inc., a dance program for Baltimore City youths, and previously served on the Board of Directors. Ms. Fahr has received Navigant's “Excellence in Service” Awards in 2011 and 2014. Ms. Fahr attended Roland Park Country School and previously served on its Alumna Board. She graduated from Bucknell University and currently resides in Roland Park with her son and daughter.
Sara Orthwein
Sara Orthwein is a graduate of Garrison Forest School and Cornell University. She also earned a M.S. Ed. degree from the University of Bridgeport. Sara has taught elementary and middle school in Connecticut and New York as well as at two Baltimore County Public Schools. Currently, Sara substitutes at Garrison Forest School and takes care of her three children. Sara and her husband, PJ, live in Baltimore County with their children.
Mary Sanders
Mary Sanders is a named partner with the firm of Turnbull, Nicholson & Sanders, P.A., where she practices exclusively in the area of family law. She has been named to “Maryland Super Lawyers” for fourteen consecutive years, and top 50 Women in Maryland for the past 7 years. Ms. Sanders was presented with the prestigious J. Earle Plumhoff Professionalism Award from the Baltimore County Bar Association in January 2012. Ms. Sanders was named to Maryland's Top 100 Women in 2015. In 2019, she was awarded the Beverly Ann Groner Award by the Maryland State Bar Association, Family & Juvenile Law Section for excellence in Family Law. She is married and the proud mother of three daughters and one granddaughter.
Spotlight on Giving
New Samuel Ready Scholarships Trustee Service Prize named for Becky Powel
Rebecca Gale Powel — May 16, 1937 - February 12, 2019
Becky worked for causes promoting equity and justice for all. She was well-known for her big heart, gregarious personality, and her unconditional love for all.
Recently, the Rebecca Gale Powel Trustee Service Prize was established in honor of Becky. This award is particularly meaningful because it is voted on by the board members themselves. It is given only in those years when the Samuel Ready Scholarships Board believes that one of its members emulates the passion, commitment and dedication that Becky demonstrated throughout her time on the Board.
STEM mentor morning hosted by McCormick & Co., Inc.
On May 13, 2019, 8th, 9th, and 10th grade Scholars attended the event held at the McCormick & Co., Inc., Technical Innovation Center in Hunt Valley. The Scholars were greeted with a light breakfast followed by a welcome from Dr. Hamed Farisi, Chief Science Officer, and an introduction from Suzanne Johnson, VP Consumer R&D. They then had a tour of the Technical Innovation center followed by a panel discussion with Q&A from women McCormick scientists. Thank you, McCormick & Co. for hosting this great event for the second time!
NEW: McAdam Family SRS Fund
In 2018, Samuel Ready Scholarships received a very generous bequest from Paul McAdam, whose mother taught at the Samuel Ready School for many, many years. The Board worked closely with the McAdam Family to create a dedicated fund, which will be used to assist with additional academic expenses not otherwise covered by tuition. Samuel Ready Scholarships is extremely grateful to the McAdam family for this incredible gift and hopes that others will choose to contribute to and grow this important fund.
Samuel Ready Scholarships has partnered with a local merchant and restaurant in support of Samuel Ready Scholarships.
J.McLaughlin held a "Sip & Shop" for SRSI for the third year in a row. This year, the event was held on Saturday, May 18. In addition, Gertrude's Restaurant held its Community Night for SRSI for the second time. This year, community night for Samuel Ready Scholarships was held on Thursday, May 30th. Both fundraisers were well attended and raised a combined total of over $2,000 for scholarship support. Thank you to J.McLaughlin and Gertrude's for giving back to SRSI and the Baltimore community!
