County Students with Disabilities Win Cardin Scholarships

Seven students with disabilities from Anne Arundel County have been awarded scholarships from the Michael Cardin Scholarship Committee of the Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities, according to a news release.

Honorees have been recognized for persevering, facing educational challenges with dignity, and demonstrating that every student can achieve when given the tools and support they need. The scholarships will be used to help fund additional educational, trade school, and summer enrichment opportunities.

MANSEF is a not-for-profit organization of nonpublic special education facilities approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. The organization serves more than 4,500 students between 3 and 21 years of age. MANSEF works in partnership with – and reaches out to – private/nonpublic special education facilities, families, parent groups, state and local education and government officials, and related service professionals.

The following students from Anne Arundel County are receiving scholarships:

• Donald Rearic III, Glen Burnie, Mayo Beach Adaptive Day Camp (social skills/interactive training)
• John Good, Glen Burnie, Music & Arts Center (violin instruction)
• Brenna McBride, Millersville, Anne Arundel Community College (Early Access program)
• Benjamin Boro, Severna Park, Baltimore Fencing Center (advanced fencing skills/competition)
• Ryan Karn, Severna Park, AACC (AA degree)
• Georgina Prenatt, Edgewater, AACC, (AA degree)
• Nicholas Wilkerson, Millersville, AACC (AA degree in the field of health & human services)

In a joint statement, Mary Tillar, AACPS executive director of special education, and Linda Donahue, acting coordinator of interagency and nonpublic placements, said, “We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of the Anne Arundel County Public Schools students attending MANSEF-accredited nonpublic schools. The recognition of the students’ efforts in their pursuit of college, career, and community goals is to be applauded.”

The scholarship fund was established in memory of Michael Cardin, son of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland. Michael’s mother, Myrna Cardin, is a former MANSEF executive director.

The annual scholarship (up to $1,500) rewards students who attend MANSEF member schools. The scholarship fund has grown annually since its inception in 1999 and has awarded more than $200,000 to nearly 300 special education scholars. Myrna Cardin will be on hand at the luncheon to present the awards.

“These students exemplify the achievement that is possible when students receive the proper supports,” Cardin said. “We are proud to reward and showcase the successes of these young people, each of whom stands out in his or her own way.”