Community Corner

Brennan Addresses 500 AACC Scholars

Crofton's mother Madonna Brennan gave a lesson on life following the death of her son Justin Paul Raddie to Anne Arundel Community College scholarship recipients.

A record-breaking number of students, families and friends came to Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) on Thursday night to show their gratitude to the college's foundation board and donors. About a half-million dollars in scholarships were awarded to 500 AACC students who otherwise would not be able to further their education.

A vast majority of the scholarships are based on financial need coupled with high academic standards, said Stacey Sickels Heckel, executive director of the AACC Foundation.

The annual event normally draws between 50 to 60 students, said Heckel. This year's event brought in about 180 to the Student Union Dining Hall set with round tables to full capacity.

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A special reception held beforehand for donors to the foundation gave board members the opportunity to thank them for their support of the college, which has grown to a 53,000 enrollment.

"The theme for tonight is 'thank you,'" said Martha Smith, president of AACC. "We are thanking our donors for opening up their hearts and resources for our school."

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"There are 53,000 stories here—every one of our students is a story. We are going after the young people who haven't had access to education," Smith said.

For donors to the college like Walt Hall, scholarships for those in need is a way to give back to the community while honoring the memory of his loved ones. He lost his son, Andrew Albert Hall, in a car accident 20 years ago and his grandson, Jason Hall, killed in Iraq 20 years later. Two scholarships were created in their honor: Andrew Albert Hall Memorial Scholarship Endowment and the Cpl. Jason David Mileo Hall, USMC Memorial Scholarship.

"It is so moving that many of these students can't attend without a scholarship. It benefits the students while making a big difference in their lives, said Alan Hyatt, president of the AACC Foundation.

Hyatt also stressed the school-community connection.

"Successful students here means successful business. There isn't a small business or company in the county that isn't touched by the college or by our students," he said to the audience.

"Some of the recipients aren't kids, they are single mothers or fathers who get training here and move on to respectable jobs," said Hyatt. "It benefits the students while making a big difference in their lives."

The students were grateful for the assistance by the foundation. Soon-to-be physician assistant Rebecca Garcia of Millersville shared her appreciation to the foundation by stating:

"We couldn't have done it without the scholarship. It means a lot—the faith that they have in giving us the money," she said.

A special guest speaker, Madonna Brennan, brought a bittersweet message and meaning to the evening. This mother lost her son, , on Jan. 16 after he drowned in a pond in Edgewater.

The family has established the Justin Paul Raddie HCAT Scholarship in Justin's honor. He was taking culinary classes at the college while working at Adam's Ribs in Edgewater before his death.

"He was taken from us and we have no idea how or why. This is a void I can't fill," said Brennan to the audience. "This I can do to make it mean something."

Editor's Note: Leslie Hunt serves on the board of the AACC Foundation.


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