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Conor and Kelleen Beck of Gaithersburg received the Freedom Alliance Scholarship for children of U.S. service members who have been killed or permanently disabled in an operational mission or training accident.
Conor, a senior at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, is pursuing a degree in media and communication Studies. Kelleen, a sophomore at the same school, is pursuing a bachelor's degree. The son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Beck, Conor and Kelleen are first time recipients of the Freedom Alliance Scholarship. The Fund has awarded $2.5 million to the children of military heroes.
Conor and Kelleen's father, Spc. Five George Beck was a Vietnam Veteran who died from a service-related illness. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Vietnam Service Medal.
"My father's service has changed my life," Conor said in a prepared statement. "It has cost his life but also taught me to be a better person. My father's life taught me lessons of duty, courage, and bravery that I will carry with me throughout my life."
Conor is on the dean's list and is a World Medal Holder and Southern U.S. Irish Dance champion. He teaches, competes, and performs Irish Dance at charity events. Kelleen also teaches Irish dance, is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and is on the dean's list. They are both DJs for WMBC.
"Because of my father's service, I have the utmost respect for those serving in the military and their families," Kelleen said in a statement. "I will always remember my father as a brave and stoic soldier, as well as a loving and sweet dad."
To learn more about the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund, visit www.FAScholarship.com or www.FreedomAlliance.org.
An hour makes a difference
Reading tutors are needed for several upcounty elementary schools, including Brown Station, Gaithersburg, Rosemont, Stedwick, South Lake, Summit Halland Watkins Mill
Three Montgomery County non-profits, the George B. Thomas Learning Academy, Interages, and Passion for Learning, are seeking volunteer tutors for the Ruth Rales-Comcast Kids Reading Network Program.
This one-on-one tutorial program, at 70 Montgomery County Public Schools, provides extra reading help to struggling second graders. The weekly tutoring session may take place before, during, or after school.
For more information, call 301-279-3890 or visit www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/readingnetwork.
Students to play in youth orchestras
Saint John's College High School seniors, Andrew Dobos of Rockville and Matthew Johnson of Silver Spring will be participating with the youth philharmonic orchestra for the second year. Joining Dobos on percussion and Johnson on tuba will be fellow senior Christian Hizon of Burtonsville on the brass trombone.
Two freshmen will be performing in the Maryland Classic Symphony, conducted by Scott Herman. Kristin Jones of Gaithersburg will play the violin, while Caelan Talbot of Silver Spring will be on the cello. The classic symphony consists of seventh through ninth graders, performing pieces from Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms and others.
The concerts will be presented on Dec. 14, Mar. 15 and May 20.
School Notes is a weekly column during the school year. Send story ideas by 10 a.m. Thursdays to Melissa A. Chadwick via e-mail at mchadwick@gazette.net, by fax to 301-670-7183 or by mail to 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Photos will also be considered.
