Chamber Awards 12 Scholarships at Annual Education Breakfast

June 17, 2024

The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Education & Scholarship Breakfast on Friday, June 14th, at Harford Community College. This event celebrates the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation scholarship recipients and recognizes the Harford County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year. Furthermore, the event serves as an opportunity for the business community to gather and network with future leaders while supporting educational development in Harford County.

Through the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (501c3) and sponsors, scholarships are annually awarded to deserving Harford County high school seniors, returning adults, and returning veterans. In addition to businesses that directly sponsor scholarships through the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, the Harford County Chamber secures scholarship funds by hosting an annual Mini Golf tournament. This year’s fundraiser, sponsored by Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra and Independent Brewing Company, was held at Mountain Run Mini Golf and generated nearly $2,000. As a business association, the Harford County Chamber is proud to offer these scholarships toward the continuing education of our local men and women who will become contributing members of our local business community.

The Harford County Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere gratitude to the 2024 scholarship sponsors: Harford County Public Library, Freedom Federal Credit Union, APG Federal Credit Union, Towson University in Northeastern Maryland, and Wade Sewell – Board of Education District B. The Education and Scholarship Breakfast was sponsored by Towson University of Northeastern Maryland and Harford Community College.

The breakfast began with welcome remarks from Denise Dreiger, Harford Community College, and John Desmone, Executive Director of Towson University in Northeastern Maryland. Erica Richardson, the Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, addressed attendees and highlighted her passion for inspiring the next generation of leaders through education. She shared her personal journey in education and reminded graduates to say yes to new opportunities as you never know where they will lead you. Ms. Richardson was presented with the Golden Apple Award for her dedication and accomplishments. The award was presented by Golden Apple sponsor and previous Harford Chamber Board Chair, Lee Tayson, Comparion Insurance Agency.

Each student was presented with their scholarship certificate and recognized for their outstanding accomplishments. Twelve scholarships were awarded this year, a record set in 2023, now achieved for the second year in a row.

Returning Adult Scholarships, sponsored by Harford County Public Library:

Marina Kuper, Gabriella Kuper, and Kilo Mack

Arts, Media, & Communications, sponsored by the Chamber’s Education Foundation:

Emily Johnson

Business, IT, & Finance, sponsored by Wade Sewell, Board of Education District B and the Chamber’s Education Foundation:

Marissa Reiser and Ellie Bassham

Health & Human Services, sponsored by the Chamber’s Education Foundation:

Abigail Marcello

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics, sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union:

Alan Chan and Temitope Ojo

William B. Seccurro Teacher Education scholarship, in honor of the late Dr. William Seccurro, past Chamber president and dedicated teacher:

Katherine Weber and Ayla Galloway

The military scholarship, sponsored by APGFCU, was awarded this year to Cadet Rodriguez-Dodson Jr. of Freestate ChallNGe Academy. He was awarded his scholarship and certificate at our Military Appreciation Luncheon in May.

Congratulations to all of our recipients! View all of the event photos here.