FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (June 2, 2011) -- The former battalion commander of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Meade High School and an Eagle Scout were each the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship from the Fort Meade Officers' Spouses' Club on May 23.
For at least three decades, the club has awarded scholarships annually to high school and college students that are not only based on academics, but on their involvement in school activities and commitment to community service.
This year, the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association, a nonprofit membership association located in Fairfax, Va., that serves the military, government, industry and academia, matched the OSC funding of the scholarships.
"I think education is a major stepping stone to fulfilling all one's aspirations in life," said Pat Hagerty, chairperson of the club's scholarship committee, who said OSC's commitment to higher education is a club tradition.
That tradition continued when Christa Owusu, 17, and Tyler Ellwein, 20, were honored with a reception at the home of OSC advisor Debbie Alexander, wife of Gen. Keith B. Alexander, director of the National Security Agency, commander of U.S. Cyber Command and chief of the National Security Service.
"I'm very excited," said Christa, who graduated Wednesday from Meade High. "I didn't get a lot of scholarships, so I'm very happy to receive this one."
The OSC presented Christa with the JROTC Scholarship, which is awarded to a graduating high school senior currently enrolled in a JROTC program at a high school located within a 30-mile radius of Fort Meade and plans to pursue a career in the military. The scholarship is open to all students.
Christa was battalion commander of Meade's JROTC and maintained a 3.94 G.P.A. She will attend Pennsylvania State University and major in computer engineering and computer science. She also plans to be commissioned in the Army as a second lieutenant specializing in military intelligence.
"I feel great. I feel outstanding. I can't believe this is happening," said her mother, Grace Ameonsah, a nurse. "I'm so proud of her."
Ellwein, a sophomore at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., was awarded the OSC Merit Scholarship for Continued Learning. The scholarship, which is awarded only to military dependents, is targeted to students of high academic achievement and a commitment to community service.
"I feel blessed to win any scholarship," Ellwein said. "I was surprised with the amount that I received."
The Eagle Scout is also the recipient of a $1,200 scholarship from the Enlisted Spouses Club.
At Liberty University, Ellwein is a pre-med student and maintains a 3.40 G.P.A. While he aspires to become a physical therapist, Ellwein is considering joining the military and working with Soldiers in the Wounded Warrior Program.
"Words can't describe the pride I have in my son," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Frederick Ellwein, commander of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps at Fort Myer, Va.
Ellwein also was joined by his mother, Sgt. Maj. Dianne Ellwein, senior enlisted advisor and career field manager for the Army National Guard Chaplains' Assistants in Arlington, Va.
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