Central county students make the grade at UMES

The Science Technology and Engineering Preview Academy will hold an engineering day camp Monday through Aug. 1, at the University of Maryland College Park campus for 25 seventh- and eighth-grade students at Mitchellville’s Ernest Everett Just Middle School.

The goal of the camp is to boost minority student interest in pre-engineering programs such as Gateway To Technology and Project Lead The Way, which has an active branch at Springdale’s Charles H. Flowers High School. Transportation is provided from Ernest Everett Just Middle to the University of Maryland campus.

Interested students can be placed on a waiting list. Call Dr. Robert L. Kight, county schools’ director of career and technical education at 301-749-5227 ore-mail robert.kight@pgcps.org.

New Carrollton youth honored for accomplishments

The New Carrollton City Council recognized several New Carrollton residents for winning city scholarship money.

Happy Begum, Tiana Bias, Arielle Chinquee and Kosi Okeke were all honored for winning money through the city’s Vera Cope Weinbach Scholarship. Begum won $500 and Bias, Chinquee, Okeke each won $1,000. The award is named for Weinbach, a former councilwoman, and was created by former New Carrollton Recreation Council President Bill Boisvert in her memory. Additionally, the city recognized Vykiita Gillespie for receiving the Gold Award through the Girl Scouts of America.

Cheverly receives money for town improvements

The town of Cheverly received $22,250 in Program Open Space money to repair a neighborhood basketball court. Program Open Space awards money collected from state transfer tax funds to Maryland counties and Baltimore City for recreation and park projects. The state’s Board of Public Works — Gov. Martin O’Malley, state comptroller Peter Franchot and state treasurer Nancy Kopp — review potential projects and award money. The town also received $52,500 in Program Open Space funding in June to replace aging playground equipment in Gast Park.

Seton High Schoolhonors graduating seniors

Elizabeth Seton High School held an awards ceremony in May for graduating seniors of the 2008 class who were recognized for outstanding achievements in varying academic and service endeavors.

Other awards and scholarships were given to students, including: The Religious Studies Award, given to Eileen Lorenz and Meghan Riordan; the Cardinal’s Award, given to Madelyn Muldoon; the Knights of Columbus Citizenship Award, given to Ruth Clemens; the Cookerly Award, given to Theresa Kuchevich; the Elizabeth Seton High School Service Award, given to Lauren Morton; the Elizabeth Seton High School President’s Award, given to Uchechukwu Ezeonyebuchi; the Principal’s Leadership Award, given to Meghan Riordan; the Kiwanis Club of Prince George’s County Award, given to Simone Alcorn; the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, given to Gretchen George and Anne Jacobs; the Lucille Woodburn Memorial Award, given to Rebecca Schnell; and College Park Lions Club Scholarships, given to Andrea Diaz, Theresa Kucevich and Eileen Lorenz.

Music awards were given to: Emily Casey, recipient of the National Choral Award; Christine Judd, recipient of the Director’s Award for choral music;Katherine Campanile, recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award; and Morgen Whiteman, recipient of the National Orchestra Award.

Athletic awards were given to: Madelyn Muldoon, recipient of the Maureen Lonergan Coaches Award; Kathryn Daly, recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award;Kelliann Rooney, recipient of the Carlos Alexander Spirit Award; and Sarah Fritz, recipient of the Roadrunner Award.

Lake Arbor Foundation Inc. funds scholarship program

The Lake Arbor Foundation Inc. scholarship award program provides financial support for motivated and deserving students who are pursuing a higher education.

High school and college students who live in Lake Arbor, Mitchellville, Largo and Kettering are encouraged to apply for the LAFI scholarship. Five $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to applicants who qualify.

The third Herman L. Murrell Scholarship Award, in the amount of $1,000, will be awarded to one of the five selected LAFI scholarship award recipients.

To be considered, applicants must be a graduating senior from a Prince George’s County high school or a prospective or current undergraduate or graduate college student; must live in Lake Arbor, Mitchellville, Largo or Kettering; have at least a 3.0 GPA; submit a 300- to 700-word essay entitled ‘‘My Thoughts on the 2008 Presidential Election,” and must provide evidence of community involvement and⁄or volunteer service work.

Applications are due by Aug. 9 to 1399 Golf Course Drive, Mitchellville, MD 20721. For more information, visit www.lakearborcivic.org and click on Lake Arbor Foundation or contact LAFI scholarship chair Elaine Wright at 301-336-2018 or e-maillakearbornewsletter@comcast.net.

County resident tapped for Human Relations Commission

Merrill Smith of Mitchellville is one of three chosen nominees by County Executive Jack Johnson for the Human Relations Commission, whose goal is to abolish discrimination in the U.S. through advocacy, education, mediation, investigation of complaints and enforcement of discrimination laws.

Smith is a regional manager for Ritz Camera. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Ohio State.

Roosevelt honors band, orchestra members

Aria Miles of Mitchellville was named the most valuable student for Concert Orchestra.

Daniel Fang of Lanham was named the most valuable student for Concert Band I.

Solia Bickersteth and Nneka Lyn, both of Lanham, were named to the Directors Hall of Fame Certificate.

Jonathan Chornay of Lanham received the award for most improved for Concert Band II.

Teresa Ferrete of Lanham received the Award for Dedication and Service. Ferrete also performed Flute Concerto in G major by Stamitz at the concerto concert.