BEL ALTON, Md. — The Bel Alton High School Alumni Association (BAHSAA) proudly announces its scholarship recipients for the 2025 academic year.
The awardees are (1) Skye Morris ($1500), Westlake High School, (2) Reece J. Hart ($1000), Henry E. Lackey High School, (3) Amiya A. Jones ($500), North Point High School, (4) Chauncey Tillman ($500), La Plata High School, (5) Andrew J. Scott ($500), Maurice J. McDonough High School, (6) Ricardo A. Daniels ($ 500), North Point High School, (7) Bryce Selby ($500), St. Charles High School, (8) Stephen L. Neal ($1500), NC A&T State University (Sophomore), (9) Diamond L. Koon ($1000), Coppin State University (Sophomore), and (10) Nicholas O. Ford ($500), Morgan State University (Junior).
The scholarship program was established in 2022 to honor BAHSAA’s founding members, who in the late 1980s saved the school building from being demolished, completed restoration of the building in 2008, and operated a community center at the site until 2015. Matt Wills, Chair of the Association, stated, ” I commend our founders for saving the Bel Alton High School building, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places.” The school was built in 1938 for the ‘colored’ children of Charles County and closed in 1966 when County schools were integrated.
Joyce M. Brown, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, said, “We were very impressed with these young students and hope that our scholarships will help them to defray the cost of pursuing their educational goals. We wish them the best and hope that they and their families will help us to share the cultural history of Bel Alton High School.” To date BAHSAA has awarded nearly $20,000 to students.
Wills expressed his gratitude to the scholarship committee for its diligent efforts and dedication. The 2025 committee members include Joyce M. Brown (Chair), Andre P. Smith, Lisa Ambers, Joseph Johnson, and Agnes Lilly.
Wills also extended his appreciation to all individuals who contributed to the scholarship fund, with special acknowledgment to Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry and Charles County Commissioners Ralph Paterson and Thomasina Coates. According to Wills the scholarships awarded to Ms. Reece J. Hart and Ms. Amiya A. Jones were sponsored by the families of founding members Austin Leroy Johnson (deceased) and T. Jerome Short, respectively. The scholarship awarded to Mr. Nicholas O. Ford was given in honor of Mrs. Muriel S. Sweatt (deceased), a faculty member of Bel Alton High School.
