Marks & Harrison hosted a 2017 scholarship contest, asking applicants to answer the following prompt in an essay or video:
Distracted driving is a problem among drivers of all ages. However, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show that it is an especially serious issue among drivers between the ages of 15 and 19. The agency reports that this age group has the highest proportion of distracted drivers involved in fatal auto accidents. We invite you to share your perspective on distracted driving by submitting an essay or video that addresses this topic: What can we do to prevent driving distractions within the teen community, and how can we promote safe driving among teens?
We received close to 200 entries, but could only choose three winners. Our three scholarship winners are:
1ST: Mariam Ouattara
Mariam Ouattara is a first-generation American currently studying Psychology and Human Development at Virginia Tech. She is passionate about spreading literacy within her community and raising awareness about mental illnesses. During her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, studying fashion design, and making others smile.
2ND: Rachel Stokes
Rachel will be attending Collin College in Plano Texas starting in the Fall this year. She plans to transfer (after her first 2 years) to Dallas Baptist University or the University of Texas at Dallas to study Visual Communications/Advertising.
Rachel was born in Dallas and has lived in the area her entire life. She considers herself a creative type and loves filming and making videos as well as capturing special moments via photography. She loves music and playing the ukulele and a little bit of piano. During high school, she has been involved in cheer athletics, theater, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and National Honor Society. She was the video broadcast editor for the school newspaper this year too. In her spare time, she plays in a band with friends as lead singer as well as also sings in her church youth group praise band. After graduation, she is looking forward to her mission trip to Kenya, Africa this summer and then starting her college career.
3RD: Kelly Waring
Kelly Waring is a senior at Thomas Dale High School in Chester, Virginia. She will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall to study biomedical engineering. She is involved in soccer, volleyball, and various clubs at my school that help the community. She thanks her English teacher, Mrs. Brown, for inspiring her to do this project.
