Media Fellowship House recently celebrated nine selected Delaware County high school scholarship recipients during our annual community awards reception held on May 21st. Isaiah is our first Claire McGeehan Scholar and exemplifies what it means to be a true leader in his community. We are honored to award him $2,000 per year for the next four years as he pursues his bachelor’s degree.
As expressed by his English teacher in her nomination letter,
“I cannot think of any one more deserving, as he has persevered through several obstacles in his short life. The life lessons he was forced to learn so early on has given him a great sense of compassion for others. Isaiah is a resilient young man who possesses a positive attitude and deep commitment to improving the world around him.”
MFH is committed to building a stronger community through our youth scholarship program. We lift up the voices of young adults across Delaware County who speak out, seek understanding, and take action against injustice through our scholarship program. The Claire McGeehan Leadership Award, named in loving memory of MFH board member, Claire Dowdy McGeehan, was created this year to recognize students who have developed the key leadership skills of perseverance, resilience, and compassion in the face of adversity.
With your continued financial support we can grow our programming and offer additional resources, scholarships and mentorship opportunities. Your donation will significantly impact the future success of students, supporting their passion and providing a path to achieve their goals.
As we near our fiscal year end of June 30th, will you consider making a tax-deductible donation to strengthen MFH programs and increase our ability to advocate for youth development, social and racial justice, and economic empowerment? To learn more about MFH membership or to make a donation online, please visit: mediafellowshiphouse.org/donate.
Marie Whitaker Scholarship for Juniors
Three high school juniors are selected annually to receive a $250 scholarship to offset the costs of application fees for post-secondary programs.
Azreen Haque
Springfield High School
In a letter written to her younger self, Azreen reflected on the lessons she has learned from her parents. Observing how they daily care for the plants around their home, she has developed a greater understanding of what it means to have a growth mindset.
“Some things, even though they might not be seen by the human eyes, just don’t stop growing. Once you stop taking care of it, it starts to wilt.”
Rosmy Joseph
Springfield High School
In her essay, Rosmy shared how she has been inspired by her mother as an example of one who speaks out and takes action against injustice.
“No matter what happens or whoever is watching, even if no one is on your side, speaking for rectitude without fear is one of the most honorable and noble accomplishments that long go unnoticed.”
Lindsay Salladino
Garnet Valley High School
“By providing opportunities for students of all genders, challenging gender stereotypes and biases, and providing resources and support to marginalized groups, schools and communities can create a more inclusive and safe environment for all students.”
Lindsay issued a strong message directed at her teachers, administrators, and peers to address gender inequalities and offer advice on ways to create a more inclusive school community.
Dorothy James Scholarship for Seniors
Three high school seniors are selected annually to receive a $1,000 scholarship to support their post-secondary plans.
Nina Fofanah
Springfield High School
In her essay, Nina reflected on finding inspiration in climate activist Greta Thunberg. Through her involvement in school clubs, Nina has challenged herself to contribute her perspective and her voice as a minority student in order to increase awareness, promote understanding, and work towards positive change.
“I admired her ability to speak her mind and not think twice. It is important for a leader to be strong and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.”
Nina will be studying Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh this Fall.
Evelyn Hao
Springfield High School
Evelyn wrote a compelling letter to her grandparents in Taiwan, expressing her desire to find common ground and understanding.
“I hope that you can understand that I am a hemisphere away and decades in the future. Between us, we have so much in common. We are both passionate and willing to sacrifice our time and energy to better our local community. The language and culture barrier can be overcome by such a simple thing.”
Evelyn will be studying at Pomona College in California this Fall.
Nhaomi Lartey
Penn Wood High School
In a letter to her school community addressing a topic of injustice, Naomi shared:
“To teachers and administrators, I ask for you to support the push for equitable education. Because this issue heavily impacts students of color like me, it’s especially important to provide opportunities for underrepresented groups to pursue careers of their interest, being a catalyst rather than a barrier to shaping a more diverse, inclusive society.”
Nhaomi will be studying Computer Science and Economics at Harvard College this Fall.
Recognition for Outstanding Leadership
This year, two high school seniors were nominated for their outstanding leadership and awarded a special recognition scholarship of $1,000.
Maryam Bint-Khaliaf
Penncrest High School
Maryam is the president of the Black History Club at Penncrest, and one of the founders of the Black History Month Oratorical Contest. She is also a member of the NAACP Youth Council and the Junior Optimist Club. Her guidance counselor described her as a deep thinker who works collaboratively and always finds ways to make all students feel welcome. He said that one of the biggest compliments he can give a student is to say they made a difference – and that Maryam has.
Maryam will be attending American University in the Fall.
Loni Jwili
Penncrest High School
A musician in the Penncrest Orchestra, Loni has been instrumental in getting the Black History Month Oratorical Contest off the ground at her high school.
Nominated by two of her elementary school teachers, they described Loni as a student who is mature beyond her years, and who exudes positivity and a commitment to improving the lives of children through her future career in Medicine.
Loni will be attending Delaware County Community College this fall with plans to receive an associate’s degree prior to continuing her studies at Temple University.
Claire McGeehan Leadership Award
Named in memory of dedicated MFH board member and long-time educator, Claire Dowdy McGeehan, this multi-year scholarship of $2,000 per year for up to four years is awarded to one Delaware County high school senior nominated for their leadership qualities in the face of adversity.
Isaiah Supplee
Interboro High School
Isaiah is our first Claire McGeehan Scholar and is active in his school community through numerous organizations. He takes advanced classes at the local community college, and also holds down a job to save for college. Isaiah has faced considerable challenges in his young life, and ultimately discovered fitness as a way to help himself through his own challenges.
He has used this passion to mentor younger students and help them find their own positive outlets. The scholarship committee was particularly impressed by how Isaiah’s future career goal to become a personal trainer combines his personal interests with a vision for creating a better world.
Isaiah will attend the University of Pittsburgh with a major in Exercise Science this Fall.