Elks award annual scholarships

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008

Click here to enlarge this photo Submitted photo Elks 2008 scholarship winners, from left, are Benjamin Yeh, Kelly Fitzwater, R.J. Barthelmes, Holly Shablack and Andy Rohland. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

Kelly Fitzwater won the local first place girl’s Most Valuable Student award and first place in the Maryland-DC-Delaware state competition. She also won a four-year MVS scholarship at the national level, for a total of $6,800 in awards. Fitzwater lives in Lexington Park and graduated from St. Mary’s Ryken High School.

Robert ‘‘R.J.” Barthelmes of California won the local first place boy’s MVS award and first place in the Maryland-DC-Delaware state competition. He also won the fourth place four-year scholarship at the national level, for a total of $18,800 in awards. He graduated from Leonardtown High School.

Andrew Rohland of St. Inigoes won the local second place boy’s MVS award and third place in the Maryland-DC-Delaware state competition. He also won the sixth place four-year scholarship at the national level, for a total of $9,800 in awards. He graduated from Great Mills High School.

Benjamin Yeh of California won the local third place boy’s MVS award and fourth place in the Maryland-DC-Delaware state competition. He also won an eighth place four-year scholarship at the national level, for a total of $4,800. Yeh is home schooled.

Holly Shablack won the local second place girl’s MVS award and fourth place in the Maryland-DC-Delaware state competition. She also won an eighth place four-year scholarship at the national level contest for a total of $4,800 in awards. Holly lives in California and graduated from Great Mills High School.

Selections for the Elks annual scholarship awards are based primarily on academic, leadership achievement, and active participation in school and community activities. This year St. Mary’s County students have won a total of $45,000 in Elks scholarships.

Applications for the MVS Scholarships are available in October through the career advisors at area high schools. For additional information contact Don Harris at 301-373-5385.