Campus News
August 27th, 2024
Martin, May earn prestigious USM scholarships
Both Garrett College graduates will be attending Frostburg St.
Garrett College 2024 graduates Annie Martin, second from right, and Nakayla May, second from left, were each awarded University System of Maryland scholarships for their continued studies at Frostburg State University. They are pictured with Garrett College Chief Academic Officer Professor Christa Bowser, far left, and President Dr. Richard Midcap.
Stellar academic work is literally paying off for two 2024 Garrett College graduates.
Annie Martin has earned a University System of Maryland (USM) Regents Scholarship that covers tuition, fees, meal plan, and board, and is renewable for up to four academic semesters. Nakayla May has been awarded a USM Kelly Access Opportunity Grant Scholarship for $4,000 per academic year that may be renewed for a second academic year.
Martin and May – who will both be attending Frostburg State University this fall – each completed their Garrett College academic careers with perfect cumulative grade-point averages. They shared the 2024 commencement award for highest GPA with Ryan Busch, who also finished with a 4.0 GPA.
"It's no surprise that Annie and Nakayla rose to the top of the competitive candidate pool this year," aid Ashley Ruby, GC's learning commons and academic success director. "Each student's academic performance, faculty commendations, and scholarly accolades showcase their deep commitment to higher education and personal advancement."
Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president, praised "the outstanding academic records" both students built during their time at the College.
"It's wonderful to see their efforts recognized by USM, which has extremely rigorous standards for the awarding of these competitive scholarships," said Midcap.
In addition to sharing the award for highest GPA, Martin was selected as Garrett College's 2024 Female Scholar Athlete of the Year. She played a key role last fall on the Lady Lakers' first-ever women's soccer team.
"I was so excited when I heard about it," Martin said of earning the Regents Scholarship. "I was kind of in shock, honestly. Without it, I would have made it work – probably taken out a couple of loans – but this is just so helpful and stress-relieving."
Martin, a Southern Garrett High graduate, earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Natural Resources & Wildlife Technology. She will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife & Fisheries, with a wildlife focus, at FSU.
"I'm really looking to do something with a conservation focus," Martin said of her career plans. "It could be in wildlife or fisheries, or even something beyond that. I'd also like to try out education at some point. It really could be anything that helps people develop an appreciation, and care, for natural resources and this world that we live in."
May, who earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity, was the student speaker at this year's Garrett College commencement. The Southern Garrett High graduate will be switching fields at FSU with a plan to pursue a nursing degree.
"I was quite surprised," May said of her reaction to receiving a Kelly grant. "That's going to really help me pay for school."
May will be able to combine her Kelly award with FSU's Associate Degree Scholarship Program grant of $3,000 per academic year. The Associate Degree Scholarship Program is for Maryland community college graduates with a minimum 3.0 grade-point average.
Ruby said Martin and May's accomplishments illustrate how Garrett College prepares students for future success.
"Garrett College is the perfect launching pad for transfer-aspiring students as they acquire a quality, cost-effective education that will uplift them toward a bachelor's degree and beyond," said Ruby.
