Thirteen graduates of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) became the first recipients of scholarships established in honor of former MCPS Superintendent Paul L. Vance.

The "Paul Vance Scholars at Montgomery College" awards were announced at a ceremony at Montgomery College on July 26 that was attended by Dr. Vance, MCPS Superintendent Jerry D. Weast, Montgomery College President Charlene R. Nunley, and other officials.

The Vance Scholars each received scholarships which provide full tuition for two years at Montgomery College, followed by full tuition for two years at the University of Maryland. Students were recommended for the scholarships by their principal, guidance counselor, and teachers.

Winning students and their high schools are:

 Avanthi Abeygunawardena, Sherwood High School

 Stephanie Choupa, Sherwood High School

 Dooyean "Clara" Chung, Sherwood High School

 Rosalba A. Diaz, Wheaton High School

 Emmanuel Fosso, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School

 Winifred Garnett, John F. Kennedy High School

 Charlotte Humphries, Winston Churchill High School

 Roberto Mantilla, Winston Churchill High School

 Hang Pham, Rockville High School

 Lisa Purohit, Paint Branch High School

 Igor Reznik, Springbrook High School

 Mayra Rondon, Walter Johnson High School

 Nicole Torres, Col. Zadok Magruder High School

Funds for the scholarships were raised through the MCPS Educational Foundation, Inc. at a retirement celebration for Dr. Vance in May 1999, with the assistance of community leaders lead by Pennie Abramson, the Honorable Esther P. Gelman, and Barry Scher, vice president of public affairs at Giant Food.

For more information and how to make contributions to support the annual scholarships, contact Sandra Shmookler, staff liaison for the MCPS Educational Foundation, at 301-279-3432.