Bright Minds Scholarships
Scholarships for deserving graduates have never been more important than they are today. They relieve the financial pressure on students and their families. They enable a greater focus on studies and a lower student loan debt burden after graduation. They are encouraging and can promote successful degree completion. They also help level the playing field for students who have suffered from historic prejudices and disadvantages, contributing to a more diverse, inclusive, and productive society.
Bright Minds Foundation has hosted and managed scholarship funds since 2015. Over the years, we have awarded scholarships to hundreds of worthy HCPSS graduates. As a trusted philanthropic partner in Howard County with deep roots in our community, we leverage our strategic partnership and close relationships with Howard County public schools to deliver and build awareness of the scholarship opportunities we offer. Bright Minds provides staff assistance, fundraising and community expertise, resources and tools, and a variety of services that help donors set up and award scholarship dollars to students.
CURRENT SCHOLARSHIPS
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The 4th Quarter PASSIT Leadership Scholarship recognizes Howard High School graduates who exemplify the values of persistence, academic excellence, teamwork, and integrity. This scholarship was established by a Baltimore County public school teacher with funds raised from his 4th Quarter nonprofit that used sports as a vehicle to mentor local youths. Two Howard High School graduates receive $500 scholarship awards each year.
The HCPSS Academy of Finance (AOF) introduces students to career opportunities in the business and financial services industries and, in the process, equips them to make sound postsecondary and career choices. The AOF Scholarship was established to encourage students and help make their postsecondary education more financially accessible. Students who have successfully completed the program and demonstrated outstanding engagement and performance are eligible to receive awards of up to $1,000.
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The Amy Armstrong Memorial Scholarship recognizes a graduating Reservoir High School senior who demonstrates honesty, integrity, compassion, and kindness toward others — and whose actions, leadership, or service promote respect, safe and supportive relationships, and the empowerment of those around them. This scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Amy Armstrong, a 2014 Reservoir High School graduate who touched the lives of everyone she met. One student receives a $1,000 award annually.
Established in 2016, the Viking Courage Award honors brain cancer survivor and Mt. Hebron High School graduate, Anne Marie DeWitt. The $500 award recognizes a graduating senior who has demonstrated grace, humility, and resiliency despite experiencing enormous adversity. A student who, through their actions and character, epitomizes the term: courage. The DeWitt family funds the annual award.
The family of Braden Zanski and Hailey Zanski-Quinn established the Braden Zanski and Hailey Zanski-Quinn Memorial Scholarship to honor the life and legacy of their daughter and son who passed away suddenly on January 14, 2024. A $2500 scholarship honoring Hailey supports a Howard County high school student who demonstrates a passion for embracing acceptance and helping others. A $2500 scholarship honoring Braden supports students in the HCPSS automotive academy who demonstrate a passion and dedication in the program.
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The Chaberton Energy STEM Scholarship recognizes graduating Reservoir High School seniors who demonstrate excellence and promise in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. This scholarship was established by Chaberton Energy, a community solar development company headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, whose Chaberton Cares program invests in local organizations and initiatives that reflect its values of creativity, excellence, and humanity. Two students receive $1,000 awards annually.
The Spitalnic family established the Charlotte Spitalnic Memorial Scholarship in 2022 to honor the life and legacy of their daughter Charlotte, a 9th grader at Centennial High School. Centennial High School seniors with a passion for choir and/or theater and willingness to share how they have demonstrated leadership and compassion for others are invited to apply. One or more scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded annually.
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The Clara Heiliger Memorial Scholarship was established by Chris & Corinne Heiliger to honor their daughter who died in 2014 and would have attended Oakland Mills High School like her 3 sisters. This scholarship was established to encourage future medical or mental health professionals dedicated to advancing compassionate, culturally responsive, and equitable care for historically underserved communities. One student will be awarded a $1,500 scholarship.
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The David Nesbitt Memorial Scholarship was established by the Nesbitt Family to honor David Nesbitt, a beloved educator, soccer coach, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and community member. The $1,000 scholarship will support a high school senior graduating from Wilde Lake High School who demonstrates good sportsmanship – including commitment, determination, ethical behavior, teamwork, respect, and encouragement of others – both on and off the field.
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The Scott Family established the Emily Scott Memorial Scholarship to honor the life and legacy of their special needs daughter Emily, a 2018 graduate of Centennial High School (“CHS”) in Howard County. The scholarship pays tribute to Emily’s spirit of kindness and provides four $2500 awards to Howard County students who have demonstrated acceptance and kindness to others. Two CHS students are selected through student applications, and 2 students are selected through educator nominations for any HCPSS senior participating in Peer Tutor and Best Buddy programs.
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The Golden Bears Scholarship recognizes a graduating Hammond High School senior who demonstrates resilience, leadership, and a consistent commitment to growth and positive contribution to their school or community. This scholarship was established by a Hammond High School Class of 2012 graduate, to support the post-secondary success of the students who follow in his footsteps. One student will receive a $1500 award annually.
The Jim Riss Pride of Oakland Mills Community Award recognizes Oakland Mills High School graduates who embody the OMHS spirit through their commitment to athletics, investment in others, and determination to bring out the best in those around them. The Riss family established this award to honor the life and legacy of Jim Riss, a beloved Oakland Mills educator and coach who spent decades encouraging students and educators to believe in themselves, and in each other. Two students receive $500 awards annually.
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The Wallen Family established the Laura E. Wallen Memorial Scholarship to honor the life and legacy of Wilde Lake High School social studies teacher, Laura Wallen. This scholarship embodies Wallen’s values and her belief in the power and potential of students. The $2500 scholarship helps Wilde Lake High School 1-2 graduates who plan to major in one of the social sciences at a two- or four-year institution.
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The Paris R. Buckman Memorial Scholarship was established by the Buckman Family to honor the life and legacy of Paris Buckman, a 2021 Mt. Hebron High School graduate and Lancers Dance Team member. The scholarship supports Mt. Hebron High School graduates participating in the Lancers Dance Team and demonstrating kindness for others, and passion and perseverance in pursuing their dreams.
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The Robert McKay White Jr. Music Scholarship recognizes honors graduating seniors who demonstrate a deep passion for music, positive character, and a commitment to lifting others through their art. This scholarship was established by White family to honor the life and legacy of Robert McKay White Jr., an HCPSS educator who had a passion for music education. One or more students receive $1,000 awards annually.
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This Vision Wealth Our Kids Our Future scholarship was established by Vision Wealth Partners, a local wealth management firm founded by three HCPSS graduates and long-time Howard County residents. These graduates remain extremely involved in the local community and this scholarship is a way for them to give back to the Howard County community. Two students will be awarded $10,000 scholarships to be paid out over 4 years ($2500 per year).
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