MVF bestows two scholarships to Village high school graduates

The Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) once again joined the Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg High Schools’ Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) to continue the MVF Scholarship Fund, now completing its 32^nd year. Since the program’s inception in 1991, scholarships amounting to more than $54,500 have been awarded to Village high school seniors. Through this fund, Village residents are able to show their support by encouraging student leadership and scholastic achievement, while assisting graduating seniors in furthering their education. The amount available for each school is entirely determined by the amount donated by Village residents.

This year, MVF scholarships were granted to two Village students: Md Ashiqur Rahman of Watkins Mill High School and Isabella Juarez Galeas of Gaithersburg High School. MVF Board-approved guidelines for the awards require that applicants be Montgomery Village residents who have actively participated in and been leaders of community or civic activities, clubs or organizations, and who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement.

Md Ashiqur Rahman

Growing up in Bangladesh, Ashiq didn’t enjoy institutional education because the heavy workload, fixed course selections and extreme pressure of frequent exams left him with little time to explore his interests. That is why as soon as the opportunity presented itself, he left his family, friends and country and moved to America to get better educational opportunities and fulfill his dream of becoming a physicist. Four years later, Ashiq’s academic achievements as a straight A student and the leadership he demonstrated in various clubs and sports reflect his dogged determination and unwavering focus on clear goals to reach success.

After high school, Ashiq plans to receive his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in physics from the University of Maryland, College Park. He desires a double major in computer science to connect his interests in both fields.

After his undergraduate degree, Ashiq hopes to immediately pursue a Ph.D. in higher energy physics. His dream is to join NASA’s research team as a physics researcher, where he will apply his knowledge, problem-solving skills and research skills from both physics and computer science to discover the necessary unknown of the observable universe.

While focusing on his passions, Bangladesh is never far from Ashiq’s thoughts. One day he wants to build an educational foundation in Bangladesh that will help educational institutions give students opportunities to focus and develop their interests. He also hopes to extend this work to other parts of the world.

Of his award, Ashiq said: “I am honored to receive this year’s Montgomery Village Foundation scholarship. I’d like to give my sincere gratitude to the scholarship selection committee. This scholarship will help me to continue the educational journey toward my college life. I’d also like to thank Montgomery Village Foundation for giving me all the opportunities both as a student and a resident of Montgomery Village. Now, I am confident and excited to begin my next journey as a physics major at the University of Maryland, College Park.”

According to his high school college and career adviser, Ashiq places high value on education and demonstrates a steadfast determination to better himself. His physics teacher described him as an exceptionally dedicated student who sets extremely high standards for himself and doesn’t hesitate to ask questions when needed. His intelligence, diligence and work ethic distinguish Ashiq, and there is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him with many goals to achieve.

Isabella Juarez Galeas

From the time she was a little girl, Isabella’s love for literature drew her into a world full of books like a moth to a flame. That love eventually turned into a desire to write, and her love of writing is what pushes Isabella to one day become an author and an accomplished poet.

To get there, she plans to attend Brown University. During her upcoming college years, Isabella plans to study in Spain and take part in internship opportunities that will give her insights into the world of publishing. With her bachelor’s degree in hand from Brown, Isabella hopes to land an editor job for the Scholastic Corporation and then branch out as an author and poet on the side.

According to her orchestra director, one of Isabella’s greatest attributes is that she is able to set her sights on a realistic goal and put in the time, effort and work necessary to achieve it. A dedicated and accomplished musician in high school, Isabella played viola in the string orchestra and percussion in the symphonic band and marching band. She was a leader in both ensembles, and was looked up to by younger members and respected by her peers because she always did what was asked of her and volunteered to help others no matter what the task.

About her award, Isabella said: “I am so appreciative to be given this opportunity from the Montgomery Village Foundation and Gaithersburg High School. I am also indebted to my teachers and my closest friends and loved ones who supported and helped me to this point in my life. And most of all, I am so grateful to my parents who have sacrificed so much to give me the many opportunities I’ve had and have in my life now so that I can pursue my dreams. I love and appreciate my parents so much.”

Isabella is known as a good communicator, hard worker and team player. With her positive outlook, warm personality and leadership qualities, Isabella has scoped out a clear plan for her higher education that will prepare her for her dream career in the publishing field.

MVF is very proud of these stellar Watkins Mill and Gaithersburg high school students and wishes them all the best in the future! On behalf of our award-winning students, we thank all those who donated funds toward this year’s scholarship awards. Although the scholarship amounts awarded by MVF are small in light of college costs, every bit of aid is helpful in a practical sense, and the symbolic meaning of your gift is truly great. Thanks also to the volunteer MVF Scholarship Committee members who once again gave their time and dedication to selecting this year’s recipients from the large pool of applicants: Clare Conlon, Sharon Levine and David Cline.