BALTIMORE, MD (June 20, 2013) – Today, the Maryland Commission for Women (MCW) will host its sixteenth annual Women of Tomorrow recognition ceremony at the Naval Academy — in Annapolis. Since 1997, this award has been given to young women enrolled in either middle school or high school who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to community service and academic excellence. In keeping with academic excellence, the Commission is honored to feature Dr. Lillian Lowery, the new Maryland Superintendent of Schools, as the keynote speaker.
“This year’s theme, “You Will Rule the World,” represents our expectations for these outstanding scholars, athletes, and humanitarians. The honorees represent the highest academic standards as well as a strongest commitment to improving their community and our state,” said Ted Dallas, secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Resources.
PNC Bank is reinforcing its commitment to the community by serving as the major sponsor of the event. PNC has a tradition of community involvement as demonstrated by its community development initiatives, financial education programs and PNC Grow Up Great, a $350 million, multiyear investment early childhood education.
“PNC is proud to support an event that recognizes and elevates the accomplishments of young women in Maryland,” said Laura Gamble, PNC Bank Regional President in Greater Maryland. “I applaud the six honorees for achieving academic excellence while making meaningful contributions to their schools and communities.”
Giant Foods, under the direction of Vice President James Miller, provided the honorees corsages as well as a bouquet for the keynote speaker.
The Maryland Commission for Women was established by the Maryland Legislature in 1971 to promote the social, political and economic equality of Maryland women. The commission, located within the Maryland Department of Human Resources, advises government officials, advances solutions, and serves as a statewide resource to expand social, political and economic opportunities for all women.
This year’s honorees were selected through a process that began with an annual statewide call for nominations. An independent, all-volunteer selection committee reviewed the applications and selected six young women representing grades seven through twelve.
2013 Honorees
GRADES 7-8 HONOREES
First Place
Danyell Pender
InnerHarborEastAcademy for Young Scholars, BaltimoreCity
Danyell is an exemplary student, who demonstrates excellence in her academics, behavior, and attendance. Danyell has been recognized with the Principal’s Award for achieving an overall A-average each academic quarter. Danyell is also an active participant and leader on the National Academic League as well as a fully-trained Peer Mediator.
Honorable Mention
Eelaaf Zahid
AnnapolisMiddle School, AnneArundelCounty
Eelaaf maintains a 4.0 grade point average while enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. She participates in the Model UN Club and Newspaper Club. As a Model UN delegate, Eelaaf presented Pakistan’s view of women and how the problem could be solved. She was awarded a medal for being an outstanding delegate.
GRADES 9-10 HONOREES
First Place
Taylor Gresham
GraceBrethrenChristianSchool, Prince George’s County
Taylor is an honors scholar-athlete whose achievements include acceptance into the National Junior Honor Society, recipient of the Presidential Fitness Volunteer Service Award and the Track & Field Scholar Athlete Award, membership in the Architecture Club, the Runners Club and Varsity Tennis Team, and she is invited to join the 2014 Year Book Staff. An avid reader, Taylor was recognized in middle and high school with Meeting the Millionaire Reading Challenge.
Honorable Mention
Delaney Hancock
GreatMillsHigh School, St. Mary’s County
Delaney was accepted in the STEM program in its inaugural year, when she was in 4th grade. She is part of the Great Mills Field Hockey and Lacrosse teams, and she also was the female lead in one of the Great Mills one-acts during the winter. She maintains a 4.129 grade average. She volunteers many hours with Girl Scout Camps, in the community, and with her church as an Advanced Altar Server.
GRADES 11-12 HONOREES
First Place
Regina Tompros
MeadeSenior High School, AnneArundelCounty
Regina is a member of the International Baccalaureate program. She is very active in her community, whether it is helping the homeless, raising money for charities, or participating in restoration projects. She is the second-term president of the school’s 300 member Key Club. She has served over 600 hours with Happy Helpers for the Homeless alone, and over 950 community service hours with several other charities and organizations.
Honorable Mention
Diana Vanessa Perez
OakdaleHigh School, FrederickCounty
Diana is president of the Minority Reach Club and Spanish National Honors Society. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honors Society, Science Honors Society and LeadershipAcademy. She has also won the Outstanding Leadership award and the Student Excellence award. Most recently, she has been selected to intern over the summer and during the school year for USAMRIID (United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases) for science research at FortDetrick.
