This scholarship honors Phyllis Utterback, who was passionate about education and youth. She embodied the impact and value that a college education can have in the lives of young people.
This scholarship is for seniors at Long Reach, Oakland Mills and Wilde Lake who intend to study mathematics, the physical sciences or engineering at a four-year college or university.
The Origins
The Howard County Legislative Scholarship was established in [Year] to invest in the education of promising high school students from across the county, recognizing academic excellence and community involvement. By providing financial assistance and fostering leadership potential, the scholarship empowers aspiring young leaders to reach their fullest potential and shape our community’s future.
Each year, local delegates and senators are allocated a number of scholarships to award to students who reside in their legislative districts. This unique feature of the program adds a personal touch to the selection process, and serves as a bridge that connects students with their elected officials and gives them insights into the legislative process.
Priyanshi Patel will attend the University of Maryland and pursue a degree in computer science… she posted a 4.89 weighted GPA at River Hill High School… national AP Scholar with Distinction… art National Honor Society member… varsity tennis player… volunteer with the Cancer Kids First program… co-captain of the varsity soccer team… volunteered with the Red Cross Club and STEM & Buds program… active community volunteer.
Phyllis Utterback, who served as the founder and longtime president of Howard County’s Jack and Jill of America chapter, nurtured generations of youth and helped them reach their fullest potential. Her dedication to children, youth and family and commitment to promoting education and academic achievement exemplified the values of the Howard County Legislative Scholarship in her lifetime.
The scholarship was established in her memory in 2022. Students must be a legal resident of Howard County and demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, community involvement and leadership potential. Applicants must be a graduating senior from a public, private or charter high school in the county and rank within the top [mention the percentage of their class] academically. The scholarship also requires that a student participate in the Howard County Youth Program and be a current player on a SAC/HC travel or rec sports team.
The Impact
The impact of the Howard County Legislative Scholarship goes far beyond the financial support it provides. It motivates students to pursue their academic goals, and it encourages civic engagement and a sense of community responsibility. Many alumni have gone on to support and mentor future generations of scholars, perpetuating a cycle of positive change.
Each year, the legislature allocates a number of scholarships that local delegates and senators can award to students who reside in their legislative districts. The legislators are directly involved in the review process and selection of recipients, adding a personal touch that connects students with their elected officials.
This unique approach to a college aid program sets the Howard County Legislative Scholarship apart from other state programs. Other Maryland scholarship awards may be based on a combination of factors, including financial need, academic merit or learning program. The HCC Educational Foundation also offers a wide variety of external scholarships through generous contributions from businesses, foundations, civic organizations and individuals. The application begins with a series of questions designed to match students to both internal and external scholarships that best meet their criteria.
Students must respond to all questions in order to be matched with the most appropriate scholarships. Scholarships vary in amount and eligibility requirements, and some may be renewable if certain criteria are met, such as maintaining a minimum GPA and participating in a specified community service activity. Some scholarships may prioritize certain fields of study, such as STEM or healthcare.
Each year, the Community Foundation awards grants to students from Howard County through its scholarships, memorial and special interest funds. The applications for these grant opportunities are available online. If this is your first visit to the site, please create an account or login. You can find the Grant Applications & Forms under Funding.
The Future
The legacy of the Howard County Legislative Scholarship continues to grow and thrive, changing lives and shaping the future of our community, one student at a time. The program’s impact goes well beyond the financial assistance it provides, encouraging community engagement and fostering a culture of giving back and personal growth.
As the Scholarship Program grows, it will continue to invest in the young minds of our community, recognizing their academic achievement and empowering them to strive for excellence. The unique involvement of local legislators adds a special touch to the program, connecting students with their elected officials and allowing them to develop mentorship opportunities.
Each year, delegates and state senators are allocated a number of scholarships to award to graduating high school seniors who live in their legislative districts. These elected officials then select the recipients based on criteria such as academic achievement, financial need and community service. The direct involvement of our local legislators adds a meaningful dimension to the scholarship, providing students with a strong connection to their elected representatives and fostering a sense of personal responsibility and civic engagement.
In addition to the Legislative Scholarship, there are many other scholarships available to Howard County residents pursuing higher education. Several of these scholarships are specific to a particular field of study, while others recognize a certain level of community service or a dedication to a particular cause.
Some of these scholarships include:
Phyllis Utterback Memorial Scholarship – awarded in memory of a longtime resident of Howard County who was dedicated to education, youth and family.
Turner/Olson Scholarships – awarded in memory of two Howard County 4-H members who tragically died in car accidents.
Awarded annually in memory of W. Ruth Conway to African American high school seniors.
The Recipients
Each year, a select number of scholarships are awarded to Howard County students who demonstrate a combination of academic excellence and community service. The scholarship is open to both high school seniors and current college students. In addition to a financial award, the scholarship offers recipients a variety of benefits that help them succeed and excel in their chosen fields.
The scholarship is named in memory of Phyllis Utterback, who was an advocate for youth and family and believed that education was the key to personal and societal success. The scholarship also honors her commitment to the values of faith, service and community.
Phyllis was also an avid supporter of her local library system and its role in providing access to knowledge and education to residents of our county. The scholarship honors her love of reading and her dedication to promoting the importance of education for all.
Mia Swabby-Rowe… enrolled at Towson University… intends to study kinesiology… carried a 4.25 weighted GPA at Wilde Lake… national merit scholar finalist… AP scholar with distinction… president of the math and music honor societies… varsity soccer, tennis and volleyball, and the Howard County GT orchestra. Served as a mentor and coach for Hawks Help tutoring program… member of the U.S. Coalition for African Immigrant Health… volunteer with the American Red Cross… founding member of Black Student Achievement Program at Wilde Lake… founder and leader of Rise Up, a student mentoring program…
Gavin Couch… enrolled at the University of Kentucky… intends to study engineering… carried a 4.48 weighted GPA at Marriotts Ridge… member of the National Honor Society… AP Scholar with Distinction… clarinetist in band and the school wind ensemble and jazz bands… varsity soccer and basketball… member of SGA… captain of the math club and the Science Olympiad team… founded Girl’s in STEM organization and raised funds for STEM & Buddies program.
The delegates and senators of the county are allocated a certain number of scholarships that they can award to students residing in their legislative districts. This personalized touch helps to further solidify the impact of the scholarship and establishes a connection between legislators and the students they serve.