Past winners of the Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship, 2001–2014.

2001

Brian Christopher Powell

On May 15, 2001, during the Senior Awards Assembly at Annapolis High School, Brian Christopher Powell was awarded the first Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship Fund™ Award. The seniors were very respectful as Scott’s mother spoke and when the winner was announced, they all seemed genuinely happy for Brian. The decision of the judges was unanimous and rumor has it that some students would not apply because they wanted Brian to win. “Brian is truly the student in our class that most exemplified the qualities that were apparent in Scott,” several students said. “Brian and Scott could always make you laugh and smile.” Brian will be attending Salisbury State University to pursue a teaching career. We have no doubt that this young man will accomplish his goal and make a wonderful teacher.

Update, from his father: How well are our previous Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship Winners doing? Here’s an update on the very first Winner, Brian Powell, sent to us by his father, Mark Powell: Brian entered Salisbury University near Ocean City, MD in the Fall of 2001. Following in his love of sports, Brian began helping out the University’s Athletic Department as a Referee at Intramural Games. Upon his graduation with a BA in Elementary Education, Brian was offered a Graduate Assistant position to run the entire Intramural sports program at SU. As is usually the case, one good deed leads to another, and Brian was offered the opportunity to teach a Health course as part of his Graduate work, added one more course, and sure enough, was listed as a Faculty Member at Salisbury U., making his mother and I very proud, and the family extremely blessed. Brian kept a near perfect 4.0 GPA, went on to complete his Graduate education majoring in Secondary Education, and is now teaching Special Education at Dundalk High School, in Dundalk, MD. Not for a minute putting aside his sports enthusiasm, with I’m sure Scott looking on, Brian became the offensive coordinator for the Varsity football team, and will be the Coach of the baseball team come spring. Brian’s father writes “The Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was instrumental in getting (Brian) off to a great start at SU. We are all truly grateful for the confidence in selecting Brian for the first Scholarship Award, and the assistance it provided as he embarked on his dream.”

2002

Paul E. Macknis

On May 7, 2002, during the Senior Awards Assembly at Annapolis High School, the second Annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship Award was presented to Paul E. Macknis. Paul is a stellar student and athlete at Annapolis High School. He will be attending the University of Maryland in the fall and pursuing a career in engineering.

2003

Alec Bradley

The third annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was awarded on May 16, 2003, at the Annapolis High School Senior Awards ceremony. The 2003 scholarship winner was Alec Bradley. Alec is a scholar athlete and Honor Roll student who played soccer for Annapolis High School for four years. He will major in biology when he enters the University of Maryland in the fall. We all wish Alec the very best as he follows his dreams to enter the fields of biotechnology and molecular genetics.

2004

Ruth A. O’Hehir

The fourth annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was awarded on May 20, 2004, at the Annapolis High School Senior Awards ceremony. The 2004 scholarship winner is Ruth A. O’Hehir. Ruth is a member of the National Honor Society, and was active in sports, drama, leadership, and music programs throughout her four years at Annapolis High School. She will major in engineering when she enters Penn State University in the fall. We all wish Ruth the very best as she follows her dreams.

2005

Ashley Linn Novak

The fifth annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Annapolis High School senior Ashley Linn Novak, at an awards ceremony on May 18, 2005. Ashley is a National Honor Society student, a Senior Class officer, very active in both high school team sports and individual competition. More impressive, she works hard giving back to her community, performing many hours volunteering at sporting events, PACA house, and the Title I Elementary After School program, and working as a photographer’s assistant and coaching a summer swim team. Ashley will enter Towson University in the fall, and we wish her much success and happiness as she follows her dreams.

2006

Sophie Marie Tullier

The The sixth annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was presented to Annapolis High School senior Sophie Marie Tullier, at the Senior Awards ceremony on May 16, 2006. Throughout her 4 years at Annapolis High School, Sophie truly demonstrated excellence in scholastic and personal achievement, in and out of the classroom. She was a member of the National Honor Society, a perpetual Honor Roll student, participated in the Advanced Placement Scholars program, was elected Captain of the Junior Varsity field hockey team for one of her three years there, was elected Captain of the Varsity Gymnastics team for two of the four years she competed there, and was chosen by her peers as Senior Class Vice President. In addition to her popularity and respect among her fellow students, she exhibits a sincere desire to help others less fortunate through her exceptional community service and participation in long term volunteer activities. In her spare time, Sophie works in the Public Library. Sophie most assuredly displays the same ideals as Scott; his enthusiasm to excel and be the best at whatever he did, his never ending ability to be active in the community, his smile and uplifting personality, and his desire to make a difference not only for himself, but for all those whose lives he touched. Sophie has been accepted at the University of Maryland, College of Education, in the fall of 2006, and will be majoring in Secondary Education, and Government. Rewarding her scholastic achievements as an honors student, Sophie has also been accepted into the College Park Scholars program, a “living learning” community, taking extra classes, field trips and volunteer work in the field of Environmental Science. Sophie hopes to complete her education with a Masters Degree from John Hopkins University. Sophie is truly deserving of this Scholarship award, and we wish her the very best as she pursues her education, her future, and most of all, her dreams.

2007

Chelsea Marie O’Hanlon

The Seventh Annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was presented to Annapolis High School senior Chelsea Marie O’Hanlon, at the Senior Awards ceremony on June 1, 2007. Throughout her four years at Annapolis High School, Chelsea truly distinguished herself in and out of the classroom in just about every category and “field of dreams” imaginable. Graduating in the top 6% of her class, her goals of achieving Honor Roll Status, or being named a Scholar Athlete each year (Outstanding Scholar Athlete for 2) was almost automatic. The list of Chelsea’s accomplishments is endless, from team captain for both Soccer and Cross Country on the field, to Music Honors, Honor Society, being named as a Pier Mediator, and International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate in the classroom, with many more in between, gaining tremendous respect among her fellow students. But Chelsea’s drive for knowledge and sharing did not end when she left the school grounds each day, but extended deeply into her community, helping others less fortunate than herself. Whether volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity project, supporting her church as both a Worship and a Youth Group leader, managing lifeguards at a local pool, or teaching Piano lessons (Chelsea also received a “Superior” ranking in National piano playing auditions), Chelsea exhibited a real presence, and truly made a difference in the lives of others in her community. This unheralded sharing and service most assuredly replicates the same ideals of Scott, his enthusiasm to excel and be the best at whatever he did, his never ending ability to be active in the community, his smile and uplifting personality, and desire to make a difference not only for himself, but for all those whose lives he touched. Chelsea has been accepted in the fall of 2007 at Elon University, Elon, NC, where she will be majoring in Corporate Communications. Chelsea plans to continue her education through graduate school, staying in the field of Communications, and has high hopes of someday studying abroad. Don’t be surprised when you open a popular magazine some day and see Chelsea’s name in the Editor’s Comments section. Chelsea is truly deserving of this Scholarship award, and we wish her the very best as she pursues her education, her future, and most of all, her dreams.

2008

Ikea Julisa Tucker

The Eighth annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was presented to Annapolis High School senior Ikea Julisa Tucker at the Senior Awards ceremony on May 13, 2008. Ikea is a very unique individual. A volleyball fanatic at heart, and on the court as well, this outgoing 4 year honor student charted a course to keep an above average GPA, graduate with honors and apply for and get accepted at a University where she could excel at her life’s dream of becoming a nurse and helping those in need. Along the way, Ikea continued sharing her outgoing personality by organizing the school’s first Tribute to Black History Month Program. The culminating talent/entertainment/fashion show event was a complete success. Emulating the Scholarship namesake in many ways, Ikea’s exceptional sharing and heart for service most assuredly replicates the same ideals of Scott, his enthusiasm to excel and be the best at whatever he did. Scott and Ikea share an engaging smile and uplifting personality, along with a real desire to make a difference not only personally, but for all those whose lives they touch. When asked what her goals were for the future, Ikea simply replied “to make life better for my family”. She loves people, loves life, and wants to help others do the same. Ikea will certainly go far beyond as her wishes will come true this fall when she begins a new chapter in her still growing life at Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, and pursues her nursing career. Ikea is truly deserving of this Scholarship award, and we wish her the very best as she pursues her education, her future, and most of all, her dreams.

2009

Shanita Tierra Jackson

The Ninth annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was presented to a surprised but well deserving Annapolis High School senior, Shanita Tierra Jackson, at the Senior Awards ceremony on May 28, 2009. Shanita continues the tradition of outstanding recipients. Shanita was a member of the school basketball team as well as being an active member of the Shakespeare Club and the Asian Student Association. She volunteers as a tutor at the community center, mentors freshmen at Annapolis High School and works at a local grocery store as a cashier while providing support to her four brothers and sisters. Shanita has a positive attitude and spirit of caring that touches everyone she meets. She truly wants to improve the lives of those she comes in contact with. Shanita received several strong references of the school counseling staff for her consideration for this award, reflective of both the impact she has already made on those she has met, and will make on those she has yet to meet. Shanita’s goal in life is to “help people and provide stability in their lives.” She combines this life view with a genuine and creative personality, and is ever reflecting the same goals as Scott to be a helpful, and uplifting influence to those both in school and in the community, and having fun while she is doing it. Shanita volunteered at the 9th Annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament on July 10, 2009, where she was able to meet the people who support the Fund. She did a great job assisting with awards and prizes. Shanita plans to study Psychology at Virginia Wesleyan in Virginia Beach. Shanita is truly deserving of this Scholarship award, and we wish her the very best as she pursues her education, her future, and most of all, her dreams.

2010

Alexandra Victoria VanHorn

The Tenth annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was presented May 19, 2010 to an outstanding member of the 2010 Annapolis High School graduating class, Alexandra Victoria VanHorn. Alexandra is an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate and a highly accomplished member of the Annapolis High School senior class. She is a member of the Annapolis High School chapter of the National Honor Society and varsity member of both the field hockey and lacrosse teams. Alexandra is a model citizen in the Annapolis community with a demonstrated commitment to making Annapolis a better place. She is personally active in Habitats for Humanity and Raising for Reasons, both familiar programs that strive to help the less fortunate members of the community. Alexandra is also a volunteer counselor at summer tennis camps in the Annapolis area. Alexandra plans to attend Washington and Lee University in Lexington Virginia this fall. She will study Biology/Pre-Med as she pursues her lifelong goal of becoming a physician. Alexandra represents a very worthy addition to the tradition of outstanding recipients receiving this Scholarship. We wish Alexandra all the best as she pursues her dreams.

2011

Erica Lynn Meusel

The Eleventh annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was awarded May 31, 2011 to an outstanding member of the 2011 Annapolis High School graduating class, Erica Lynn Meusel. Erica has distinguished herself as a highly accomplished member of the Annapolis High School senior class. She is a member of the Annapolis High School chapter of the National Honor Society, the Tri-M Music Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society, Concert Mistress and first violin chair for the Annapolis HS Concert Choir, and an active member of the AHS Drama Club. Away from the rigors of school, Erica is a model citizen in the Annapolis community with a demonstrated commitment to children and the arts. She volunteers with kindergarten students, performs in plays, and is active in the Young Life program. Erica’s goal is to become an elementary school art teacher, and continue to serve the community and the betterment of younger generations. She will be attending Towson University in Towson MD this fall, majoring in Art education. Erica accentuates Scott’s ideals of making life meaningful, fun, and ultimately better for all whose lives she touches, and represents a very worthy addition to the tradition of outstanding recipients of this Scholarship.

2012

Geoffrey Noah Manyin

The Twelfth annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was awarded June 5, 2012 to a very deserving member of the 2012 Annapolis High School graduating class, Geoffrey Noah Manyin. Geoffrey continues a long line of outstanding Scholarship winners. He graduated among the top 10 in the 2012 class at Annapolis Senior High School and is an AP Scholar in the classroom with better than a 4.0 average. Geoffrey also excelled outside the classroom. He played in school, local and regional orchestras, was the team captain of the varsity swim team, and a member of the National Honor Society as well as Spanish and Music Clubs. He is also an important member of the Annapolis community. He is a Boy Scout leader, serves meals at homeless shelters and soup kitchens, and participated in several mission trips. Geoffrey really personified many of the ideals that Scott embodied—helping others while becoming the best at everything he could. Geoffrey will attend the University of Maryland in College Park and pursue two degrees— a Bachelor of Science in Physics and a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance. Geoffrey’s ambition is to play his cello in a nationally acclaimed symphony orchestra. Geoffrey indeed displays many similarities to how Scott lived his hopes and dreams, and represents a very worthy addition to the tradition of outstanding recipients of this Scholarship. We wish Geoffrey the very best as he continues be an inspiration to those around him, and an ambassador for determination and always striving to not only achieve, but reach beyond ones goals and aspirations.

2013

Kevin Michael Schaum

The Thirteenth annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was awarded June 6, 2013 to a very deserving member of the 2013 Annapolis High School graduating class, Kevin Michael Schaum. Kevin will attend the University of Miami (FL) next year where he will pursue a degree in Audio Engineering. Kevin joins a long list of distinguished Annapolis HS graduates receiving the Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship Award. Kevin finished with a remarkable 3.95 GPA (on a scale of 4.0). He also excelled far beyond the classroom. Notably, Kevin is an Eagle Scout and a leader in both school and community activities. In many ways he is living his life much the same way that Scott lived his—dedicated to helping others, being the best at everything he wanted to be, and living life with a joy that resonates. Kevin has had a remarkable career at Annapolis HS. He has truly balanced classroom, athletics and artistic activities to become the well rounded individual he is today. Kevin is a member of the National Honor Society and excelled in numerous AP classes. Athletically, he was a 4 year member of the tennis and wrestling teams, and also was a member of the Ultimate Frisbee and Cross-country programs. Kevin is also a member of the Jazz band and school orchestra, where he was selected for the All-County Ensemble. Finally, as if that wasn’t enough, he was a key member of the award winning tech crew for the AHS Drama program. Outside of school, Kevin has displayed the same enthusiasm for contributing to the community that he exhibited at Annapolis HS. In addition to his Eagle Scout distinction, Kevin also mentored numerous younger scouts, encouraging many of them to also pursue the Eagle Scout Award. Another program Kevin has been instrumental is the Raising for Reasons program, a program dedicated to raising money and awareness for local, national and international programs. Of course, as his musical activities indicate, Kevin also played in numerous local bands popular in the Annapolis and Baltimore communities. Kevin’s drive to excel reminds the Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship Fund committee members of how Scott pursued his hopes and dreams. As such, Kevin represents a very worthy addition to the tradition of outstanding recipients of this Scholarship. We wish Kevin the very best as he pursues his goals in life. We hope he continues to be an inspiration to those around him, and that he strives to mentor those who follow in his footsteps. We also wish him much determination and desire in order that he may achieve his life’s aspirations.

2014

Daniel Lenox Shearer

The Fourteenth Annual Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship was awarded June 2, 2014 to a very distinguished member of the 2014 Annapolis High School graduating class, Mr. Daniel Lenox Shearer. Daniel will attend the West Virginia University Honors College next year where he will pursue a degree in Business or Economics. Daniel is the latest recipient of the Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship Award. Daniel excelled in the classroom with an outstanding 3.62 GPA (on a scale of 4.0). He also proved to be an outstanding citizen outside the classroom as well. Daniel is an Eagle Scout and a leader in both school and community activities. Daniel has more than lived up to the ideals set by Scott—dedication to helping others, being the best at everything he wanted to be, and living life with a joy. Daniel has had a remarkable impact on Annapolis HS. He was a contributor in the realm of academics, athletics and student government. Daniel was awarded the AP Scholar award, an Honor Roll member and awarded special recognition for maintaining a high GPA while being a member of a school athletic team. Daniel was also a 4 year member of the Annapolis HS golf team and selected Captain for his senior year. Daniel played in both the school marching and concert bands, participated as a member of the Student Government Association and a founder and Vice President of the school’s Gaming club. In the Annapolis community, Daniel has demonstrated the civic pride and responsibility that Scott displayed during his life. In addition to his Eagle Scout distinction, Daniel also serves as Jr Assistant Scoutmaster for his troop and provides leadership for numerous younger scouts and service projects. Daniel also participated in community activities to assist elderly with home and yard maintenance and support the homeless in Annapolis. As part of his church youth group, he participated in the monthly Cookie Factory, which raises funds for mission and outreach programs, by making and delivering cookies to USNA Midshipmen. Daniel’s commitment to excellence reminds the Scott Thomas Palmer Memorial Scholarship Fund committee members of how Scott pursued his hopes and dreams. As such, Daniel represents a very worthy addition to the tradition of outstanding recipients of this Scholarship. We wish Daniel the very best as he pursues his goals in life. We hope he continues to be an inspiration to those around him, and that he strives to mentor those who follow in his footsteps. We also wish him much determination and desire in order that he may achieve his life’s aspirations.