Prince William Regional Chamber makes getting education bit easier

Nine local high school graduates will find it a little bit easier to pursue their higher education this fall, thanks to scholarship awards from the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The grants offered by the chamber are unique in that only those students planning to attend a community college or vocational program are eligible.

Selection criteria include a strong academic record, commitment to the community and well-defined career goals. Each of them will receive $1,300.

"I have always admired those students who work very hard, make good grades but may not have the financial resources to attend a four-year university. The recipients of the chamber's are industrious and focused-they will be a success," said Mike Todd, chairman of the scholarship committee since 2003.

The chamber began its program in 1987 with a single award of $500. Since 2,000 the chamber has given $82,700 in scholarships to 77 area students.

Cheeseburger in Paradise, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Outback each host an annual fundraiser attended by members of the chamber. Businesses also contribute prizes to be raffled off at chamber events throughout the year. Additionally, Micron Technology contributed $3,000 towards the 2009-2010 program.

The winners are:

n Thanks to her hard work and decision to enroll in summer school, Shabnam Aboubakri, will graduate from Free-dom High School a year ahead of schedule with a GPA of 3.41. Aboubakri is also involved in many extracurricular activities, including serving as business editor of the yearbook. She plans to study networking security and earn an internship with the federal government. She also hopes to help high school students learn about careers in technol-ogy.

n Osbourn Park High School senior Karissa Fair has challenged herself academically and professionally and will graduate with an advanced diploma. For the past two years she has worked as a secretary at a small business and is currently involved in extracurricular activities such as the FBLA and Model United Nations. Fair plans to study accounting at Northern Virginia Community College.

n Rebecca Haskins, a senior at Hylton High School, has always loved working with people and promoting ideas, and says this scholarship will bring her one step closer to her dream career in public relations. Haskins stays busy with an after school job, volunteer work at Relay for Life and participating in her school's marching band and color guard-all while staying on the A/B Honor Roll.

n Mark Hertel of Gar-Field High school overcame learning challenges associated with Asperger's Syndrome to become a model student and community member. He volunteers for the American Red Cross and at Potomac Library and is a member of the Youth Symphony of Prince William County. Hertel's goal is to pursue a career in computer sciences.

n Battlefield High School senior Rasmeet Kaur is driven and dedicated inside and outside the classroom. She is fluent in four languages and an eager learner. In school, she is an active member of the Culture Club and a member of the German honor society. Outside of school, Kaur plays soccer, works at a day care and volunteers at Prince William Hospital. Kaur plans to attend Northern Virginia Community College and become a pharmacist.

n Beatrice Laureano has challenged herself academically, maintaining a 3.6 GPA and taking Honors and Advance Placement classes at Osbourn High School. Despite her demanding coursework, Laureano volunteers at Prince William Hospital and is active in Key, Drama and Awareness Clubs and other extracurricular activities. She plans to study environmental science at Northern Virginia Community College.

n Kevin Rogers took on many family responsibilities at a very young age, demonstrating his maturity and ability to balance school and home life. An all-star athlete, Rogers has played football and ran indoor and outdoor track while at Osbourn Park High School. He plans on pursuing a degree in education so that he can follow in his mother's footsteps and become a history teacher.

n Olivia Tabacchi has been active during her time at Emmanuel Christian School. She volunteers her time to church and community organizations, acts in school plays and movies and plays volleyball. Tabacchi's dream is to work in the film industry. She plans to take related coursework at Northern Virginia Community College this fall.

n RosaLena Tabacchi at Emmanuel aspires to become an equine veterinarian. She has sought out hands-on experi-ence, volunteering at animal shelters and working in kennels and an equine medical center. Tabacchi's aca-demic honors include making Honor List and a fine arts award. Other activities include participating in plays and yearbook at school and volunteering at community organizations such as Transitional Housing BARN.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.