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Politics & Government

Delegate Asks Dundalk to Support Fifth-Grader's College Dreams

A Norwood Elementary School fifth-grader applied for a legislative scholarship—seven years early.

Every year, I am honored to join my colleagues from the sixth legislative district in attending the award ceremonies for the graduating seniors in our local high schools.  While there, we join scores of community and civic organizations from around the district to distribute scholarships in support of our students planning to pursue higher education.

It is especially rewarding to be able to support the hopes and dreams of some of the best and brightest we have.   In fact, this is one of the most exciting times for me as your Delegate, as I have the opportunity to meet so many successful students and their proud families, and I get to support these students as they move on to the next stage of their lives.

This year, the scholarship program has taken on an especially significant meaning to me.  I recently received an email from Mrs. Pat Goldys, principal of Norwood Elementary.  Along with the email was an attachment from one of her 5th graders with a thoughtfully-completed application for a House of Delegates scholarship.  Her email included the following: “I have a fifth grade student who wants to be a chemist.  The student is worried about having the money to go to college.  I want to keep the student motivated to go to college now and to offer hope to continue this dream in their upcoming years of school.  This support is needed for the student to know they are worthy of this opportunity.”

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After a personal visit to the school, it was clear to me that this student was worthy of this type of support and encouragement.  Due to state regulations, however, I am unable to process a scholarship for a student until they are scheduled to graduate from high school.  Despite this limitation, Principal Goldys and I are still partnering to provide this student the encouragement to continue to pursue their educational goals.

We have determined that the most efficient way to support this child’s dream is to help them save for college.  Our plan was originally to collectively purchase a small savings bond to present to this student.  However, upon reflection, we believed that the appeal of helping this special child might extend to other members of the community.  To that end, I would like to invite residents to join me in contributing toward the purchase of a savings bond that will be used to help establish some college savings to encourage this student to realize their dream of becoming a chemist.

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If you would like to join in this effort, please send a check payable to Norwood Elementary School; attention Pat Goldys, principal.  It can be mailed to 1700 Delvale Avenue; Dundalk, MD 21222.  Donations received between now and the end of May will be pooled and used to purchase a US Savings Bond in the name of the student (make a notation on the memo line).

As a legislator, I am proud to do whatever I can to help pave the way toward a brighter future for all of our students, whether a graduating senior or fifth-grader.  

Delegate John Olszewski Jr. 

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