March 1, 2004
RE: Tony Sylvester Davis Memorial Scholarship; Applications Due June 1, 2004
Dear Parents and Students:
For the third year, the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, Maryland (HOC) will be awarding two $5,000 continuing-education scholarships to two high school seniors who will graduate in June 2004. The competition for the scholarship award is open to youths who currently, for at least one year, reside in HOC public housing or live in a household in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8). The annual Tony Sylvester Davis Memorial Scholarship Award is awarded to students based upon a range of criteria, including an essay, letters of recommendation, academic performance, SAT/ACT scores and other factors. (See the Fact Sheet on the reverse side of this letter for application requirements.)
Mr. Davis was a Trades Maintenance Worker for HOC who came to work for the agency in March 1998. He lived at Middlebrook Square in Germantown, Maryland, as a residential staff person. He volunteered as a coach and counseled many children in the community. Mr. Davis also worked hard to improve the image of the community, eradicate drug use and to be a positive role model.
Mr. Davis was tragically killed on October 22, 2000. As a result of his exemplary commitment to his community and young people, the Housing Opportunities Commission established this scholarship to recognize the work of an outstanding employee, father and community leader.
The scholarship funds will be disbursed directly to the schools the selected students plan to attend. Enclosed is an application. Completed application materials must be sent via United States Postal Service mail to:
Tony Sylvester Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund
c/o Ms. Jerry Matthews, Resident Services Senior Administrator
Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, Maryland
10400 Detrick Avenue
Kensington, MD 20895-2484
The application must be postmarked no later than June 1, 2004. Recipients will be notified of their award no later than June 20, 2004.
We invite you to take advantage of this excellent educational opportunity while honoring the memory of an excellent man.
If there are any questions concerning the scholarship or application process, call Ms. Jerry Matthews at 301-929-5648.
Sincerely,
Tedi Osias
Director, Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Enclosure (Scholarship Application, following the Fact Sheet on the reverse side of this letter)
The Tony Sylvester Davis Memorial Scholarship – FACT SHEET
Background
The Tony Sylvester Davis Memorial Fund was established by the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, Maryland (HOC) to honor the memory of the late Tony Sylvester Davis, a committed staff member who was dedicated to youth and community service. He was an excellent role model as a son, father, employee, and community leader. HOC honors his memory and will always appreciate his work with youth in the public-housing community.
Awards
Two awards of $5,000 (five-thousand dollars) will be made on an annual basis. The Tony Sylvester Davis Memorial Fund is intended for use in furthering education at an institution of higher learning after graduation from high school to full-time matriculation at a junior college, college or university.
Eligibility Criteria
· Must be a resident of HOC public housing or the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8) for at least one year
· Must be a graduating high school senior
· Must attain an overall high school grade point average of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
Application Process
· Must submit a 500-word essay (double-spaced) describing 1) why you feel you are deserving of the scholarship, 2) your academic goals, and 3) how the scholarship will assist you in achieving them
· Must submit a copy of a letter of acceptance from an accredited two-year or four-year college
· Must submit two letters of recommendation: One from an HOC staff person, and one from a school administrator (teacher, principal, guidance counselor); or, two from high school if you have had no contact with an HOC staff person
· Must submit a high-school transcript
· Must submit copy of applicant’s SAT/ACT score
· Must submit a list of extra-curricular activities participated in during high school
Evaluation/Selection Criteria
· Quality of essay
· Strength of letters of recommendation
· Academic performance
· SAT/ACT scores
· School attendance
· Participation in extra-curricular activities, including community, school, church and social activities
Application Deadline
· Completed applications and other application-process requirements must be sent via United States Postal Service mail and postmarked no later than June 1, 2004, to the following address:
Tony Sylvester Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund
c/o Ms. Jerry Matthews, Resident Services Senior Administrator
Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, Maryland
10400 Detrick Avenue
Kensington, MD 20895
For more information, contact Ms. Jerry Matthews at 301-929-5648.