PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County Parks and Recreation (CCPR) awarded its annual Therman Gray Scholarship this week to Ella Gibson at the Aug. 5 Board of County Commissioners meeting.
CCPR’s Therman Gray Scholarship Education Award Program is designed to assist individuals with funds in support of pursuing a career in the field of parks and recreation. This program offers an annual scholarship of $1,000 to a graduating senior.
Applicants must be Calvert County residents, graduating seniors in public, private or homeschool high schools, pursuing an undergraduate degree from an eligible discipline list and possessing a grade point average of 3.0 and above on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must complete the application and submit proof of residency, a copy of their most recent report card or homeschool review, a copy of an acceptance/enrollment letter to a college, university or trade school, two letters of recommendation and a two-minute video explaining why they are pursuing the field.
CCPR Director Bob Branham thanked his team and shared his personal connection to the scholarship’s namesake: Therman Gray was a postal worker who was involved in the community through mentorship programs, community activities and his church. Branham said Gray had a strong belief in service, and his team prioritizes that legacy when choosing a scholarship winner.
“Not only do they have to excel in the classroom, but they have to be productive members of this community and give back to this community,” Branham said.
He proceeded to read from the letter sent to Gibson informing her of her award, highlighting her academic achievements and community work, particularly regarding wildlife and agricultural research.
Branham said that the scholarship acknowledges Gibson’s past achievements and their strong belief in her potential to have a positive impact in her field and her community.
Gibson graduated from Calvert High School and is currently studying environmental science at the College of Southern Maryland. She hopes to transfer to the University of West Virginia. Gibson said she’s wanted to attend UWV, her father’s alma mater, since she was 10 years old, and will pursue a fisheries and wildlife degree. She also plans to play club field hockey.
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