17th Annual Scholars' Award Ceremony at Oak Crest Celebrates the Journey

PARKVILLE, MD---"Perspective."  "Dedication."  "Sharing."  "Thank you."
These words repeatedly set the tone for the 17th Annual Scholars' Award Ceremony held on April 17th at Oak Crest, the Erickson Living retirement community in Parkville.
Forty high school students employed in the Dining Services Department earned scholarships for their collegiate careers.  The value of these awards is $1,000 per year for a four-year total of $4,000.
Beyond honoring academic excellence and workplace leadership, the Student Scholar Program at Oak Crest is a testament to the relationships developed between students employed in the Dining Services Department and the residents they serve.
Dr. Jack Orth, a member of the Oak Crest Residents' Advisory Council, offered his insight.
"Why does this win-win relationship between the students and residents work so well?" he asked.  "It's that generous people are being generous with each other.  With their vibrant personalities, the students remind us that this is a great time in our lives.  In turn, the residents want to see that the students have the means to achieve their dreams."
Todd Sullivan is the Director of Philanthropy at Oak Crest.  During the ceremony, he announced that $175,000 had been raised during the 2013 Student Scholar Fundraising Drive that began on March 1st.  The contributions came from donations by residents, resident organizations and employees.  A Spring Bingo event raised over $12,000.
"The awards ceremony is a celebration of the journey that continues with the next chapter in the lives of these wonderful young men and women," described Mr. Sullivan.  "It is the appropriate time to reflect and thank the residents for their amazing kindness, the parents and family members for providing a path of success for their children and the students for sharing their talents here each and every day."
In its 17th year, the Student Scholars program has raised over $2.2 million, assisting 645 students to advance their education. 
George Pattee, Project Manager at Oak Crest and a student scholar from the Class of 2001, shared his experiences in the annual Scholars' Success Story Address.
Student Scholars Class of 2013:  Angelina Adelung, Chiemelum Amechi, Diamond Arnold, Rachel Artes, Christopher Assid, Andrew Burke, Kyle Cherry, Zachary Cowger, Ryan Diepold, Grayson Drake, Elizabeth Falkenstein, Matthew Granruth, Tasia Green, Alexa Harant, Ryan Hardison, Adam Helfer, Emily Henshaw, Chidimma Ibeanu, Eta Magambo, Jasmine Mayo, Sasha McKnight, Samantha McManus, Jared Miller, Amanda Miller, Kaila Morris, Brian Murphy, Ambra Palushi, Austin Reisig, Brianna Robinson, Robert Sacco, Meaghan Smith, Nadia Smith, Raven Stokes, Tyler Tomczewski, Mary Uwadineke, Amanda Vlachos-Murk, Julianne Volz, Kevin Weininger, Mark Williams, Gregory Young

About Erickson Living:  Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Erickson Living is a nation-leading developer and manager of continuing care retirement communities.  The Erickson Living network currently comprises sixteen campuses in Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia, which together are home to more than 22,000 residents and employ more than 12,000 people.  Further information regarding Erickson Living is available at www.ericksonliving.com.

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