Each year, the UYC Maritime Foundation awards scholarships to high school students at Flowery Branch and West Hall high schools. This year, six students at the two high schools received $2,500 each.
The checks were presented at each school’s awards events.
“All of the recipients of the scholarships have excellent high school grades and are involved in an impressive array of extracurricular activities and jobs,” said Liz Rogers, chair of the UYC Maritime Foundation scholarship committee. Each has demonstrated that they are deserving of financial need.”
The two student recipients at West Hall High School were Barbara Elise Thornhill, Gainesville, daughter of Batinna Thornhill, and Evan McNeal, Flowery Branch, son of Leigh McNeal.
The four students from Flowery Branch High School were Bella Brick, Flowery Branch, daughter of Tracy Brick; Auren Murillo, Flowery Branch, son of Daysi Valerio; Valeria Quintero, Flowery Branch, daughter of Sara Botero; and Madison Tithof, Braselton, daughter of Christina Tithof.
“A focus of the Maritime Foundation is education, especially with regards to water safety,” Rogers said. “Many of the candidates who apply for the scholarship are planning to study engineering, medical-related fields, and environmental sciences, which could all be directed to marine careers.”
The foundation’s scholarship committee reviews each student’s written application, talks with school counselors and interviews each candidate before making the awards.
The UYC Maritime Foundation is a 501 (c)3 organization that promotes education and instruction of sailing and power boating, supporting education for youth and adults. In addition to the annual youth scholarships, the organization presents three weeks of youth and junior sailing education each summer, the Hot Ruddered Bum February lake-wide sailing regatta and the November Lanier Cup Lake Lanier lake-wide sailing clubs championship.
It is supported by donations from individuals, sponsorships from businesses and various fund-raising events.
For more information, visit www.uycmaritimefoundation.org.
