AFSA Awards Annual College Scholarships

5/21/2004

From: Diane Landry King of the American Federation of School Administrators, 301-528-6667

WASHINGTON, May 21 -- The American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), AFL-CIO, the nation's only labor union for public school principals and administrators is proud to announce the winners of its annual college scholarship awards.

Elyse Lee of Little Neck, N.Y.; Patrick Dolan of New Milford, Conn.; and Rhojonle Cromwell of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands will each receive $2,500 grants from AFSA to defray the cost of their higher education pursuits in the upcoming school year.

"As the nation's public school principals and administrators, AFSA members provide students with the foundation for their higher education studies -- a quality public school education from kindergarten through 12th grade," stated AFSA National President Baxter Atkinson. "The AFSA Scholarship Program was created because we also want to help our students achieve their higher education dreams."

"Selecting awardees was particularly difficult this year because we had so many highly-qualified candidates from which to choose," continued President Atkinson. "Congratulations to Elyse, Rhojonle, and Patrick. We wish them success in their academic endeavors."

Elyse Lee of Little Neck, N.Y. is the daughter of Lois Chin Lee, a member of AFSA Local 1, the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA) in New York City. She is currently enrolled in an all-honors program at Townsend Harris High School at Queens College in Flushing, N.Y. Her grade point average is 94.18. Her community service work has included being a Sunday school teacher, youth group officer, and tutor of multi-ethnic, latch-key children. Elyse plans to use human development studies in a marketing research career. She expects to attend Cornell University or Boston College this fall.

Patrick Dolan of New Milford, Conn. is the son of Denis Dolan, a member of AFSA Local 90, the New Milford Administrators. He has an excellent academic record at his high school and has taken many advanced placement courses. He has volunteered for the American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, and the Boy Scouts of America. Patrick is interested in history and plans to attend college in the fall.

Rhojonle Cromwell of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands is the daughter of Rosa White, a member of AFSA Local 100, the St. Croix Educational Administrators' Association. Her studies have included honors and advanced placement courses at Good Hope High School. She has worked as the Yearbook's Editor-in-Chief for three years. Her community service includes being a mentor for youths at risk, assistant advisor for Medical Explorers, and volunteering at a day care center and a nursing home. Rhojonle plans to study biochemistry at Oberlin College, and return one day to the Virgin Islands to help improve the island's health care.

The AFSA Scholarship Program is part of AFSA's commitment to higher education. AFSA annually awards successful applicants of member families with grants for higher education based on academic achievement, character, leadership, recommendations, community service, and other criteria. AFSA is a strong advocate for quality public school education. Founded in 1975, AFSA represents principals, assistant principals, administrators and supervisors in the United States and Virgin Islands. For more information, visit http://www.admin.org.