South River Leads County Schools in Scholarship Offers

Led by South River High School, the class of 2013 in Anne Arundel County Public Schools earned more than $127 million in scholarship offers, a total that far surpasses last year.

According to a release, the Class of 2013 topped last year’s record of $110 million. The feat continues a rising trend that has led to an increase in scholarships of more than 350 percent since 2007—and it is South River that leads the pack.

Arundel High School students earned $10.5 million in scholarship offers, it's second-highest total since figures were tracked starting in 2007.

South River High School brought in $21.6 million in scholarship offers in 2013. Broadneck High School was second with $14.9 million, and Severna Park High came in third with $13.5 million.

Southern High School reported $6.6 million in scholarships, the school's second-highest total.

“This continued increase is a prime example of what can be accomplished when we provide more opportunities for our students to choose specific pathways that develop their talents,” Superintendent Kevin Maxwell said in a release. “Through the creativity and professionalism of our teachers and school counselors, our students have become equal partners in shaping their own destinies – not to be bound by limitations.  They are not only leaving our schools prepared for college and careers, but also to be successful in their own pursuits.”

Graduation data also indicates that 87 percent of graduating seniors plan to attend a two- or four-year college, 19 percent plan to work full-time, 10 percent plan to enlist in the military, and 4 percent will attend a private career school, according to a release.

In an effort to ensure equal opportunities are being presented to all students, school counselors across the county have placed an increased emphasis on working with African-American students to secure scholarships. The more than $17.7 million in scholarship offers to African-American students this year is a 61.2 percent increase over two years ago.