Zulema Delacruz Martinez, ‘24

Associate of Arts in Business Administration
Community Interpreter Certification
Greensboro, MD
Supported by the Barnes & Noble Book Scholarship,
J.C. Gibson Memorial Scholarship

“What stood out to me [about Chesapeake College] was that it was flexible and it was affordable. Chesapeake College introduced me to staff members who truly care about students like me.

“From receiving a student-employment position on campus, to working closely with the other College departments, to expanding my own personal abilities, the TRiO [student program] provided a wealth of support that I had not been privilege to prior to arriving at Chesapeake College. Above all else, TRiO gave me a family of people who have guided me, supported me, and who have given me countless hours of their time to help me succeed in my college career.

“While at Chesapeake, I discovered so many things about myself. I discovered that I am a leader and others wish to follow my leadership. I have been pushed to be greater. Para hacer realidad un gran sueno, el primero requisito es un gran capacidad de sonar, el segundo es la persistencia. Translation: To make a great dream a reality, the first requirement is a great capacity to dream, the second is persistence.”

Excerpted from Zulema’s speech at Chesapeake College’s 2024 Commencement, as the recipient of the prestigious John T. Harrison Award. Zulema is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration at Towson University with the eventual goal to have a career in higher education or to lead a non-profit.

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Peyton Lee, ‘24

Associate of Arts in Business Administration
Leesburg, VA
Supported by the Delmarva Power Athletic Scholarship

“I came to Chesapeake College because it allowed me to pursue a degree and play baseball. From here, I will attend Wilmington University to continue my college baseball career.

“The environment of the school is awesome, and the best part of my experience has been being a part of the Skipjack baseball team.

“Scholarships were the only reason I was able to stay at school and continue my dreams. I am completely on my own for college, so this allowed me to continue doing what I love. [Had I not received this scholarship] I would not have been able to play baseball—I would have had to work to pay for my schooling.

“I would tell others pursuing their dreams that the teachers are awesome at Chesapeake College and make sure to study!”

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Justin Medrano

Commercial Driver’s License — Class A (CDL)
Chestertown, MD
Supported by the Corr Scholarship, from the Mid-Shore Community Foundation

“I’ve worked for my father’s moving company driving box trucks for 10+ years. After my time at Chesapeake College, I plan on building my experience as a tractor trailer driver on the Eastern Shore. I want to work with local farmers, hauling grain and crops.

“The support from my instructors, their patience and training techniques, surprised me. My learning experience has been excellent and the institutional scholarship staff surprised me with their kindness and attentiveness.

“These scholarships opened the door for my success as a full-time student at Chesapeake College. Without financial assistance, I would not have been able to pursue this program at this time. It showed me that I am more than capable and gave me the confidence to know that even though I am in my 30s, I can still further my education.

“I would tell people [who are thinking of going for a CDL] to pursue your passion wholeheartedly and do not be afraid to ask for help.”

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Mariah Ayala, ‘24

Associate of Science in Nursing
Federalsburg, MD
Supported by the Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital at Easton Scholarship

“My first job working with the geriatric population made me realize how much happiness it brings me helping and caring for people. So I decided to further my education, so I can help save more lives. After this, I plan on working as a registered nurse at a hospital and pursuing my bachelor’s degree in nursing.

“How supportive and compassionate the professors were about helping their students surprised me. Also, the amount of support Chesapeake College gives its students financially and academically.

“Receiving these scholarships decreased my stress significantly. Working almost full time and going to school full time is stressful. These scholarships allowed me to focus on my education and not have to worry about working extra hours just to pay for my tuition. I will always be forever grateful for the support.

“[If you’re thinking about studying nursing] I would tell people they should go for it. It will be challenging, but it will all be worth it in the end.”

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Erin Grigsby

Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant
Centreville, MD
Supported by the Barnes & Noble Book Scholarship,
Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital at Easton Scholarship

“An internship opened my eyes to how great this career could be. Being there to help others get through their injuries and illnesses made me realize how much I enjoyed helping people. After Chesapeake, I plan to become a licensed and practicing physical therapist assistant.

“Chesapeake College is great with working with their distance learning students. Being a student in the PTA program [a joint program with Anne Arundel Community College], you have to travel over the bridge for your classes, but the staff at financial aid, business office, and bookstore have been so helpful.

“I’m so grateful for these scholarships, as it allowed me to focus on my studies full time and become the class president for the 2025 PTA program. They took off some financial burden as my parents have to support three kids in college.

“For others considering PTA, this career is so rewarding, and if you are someone that enjoys helping others without the pressure of having too much debt, then this program is the right place for you.”

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Taylor Rupp

Associate of Science in Biological Sciences
St. Michaels, MD
Supported by the Nash-Lednum Endowed Scholarship

“I was inspired to study biology mainly because of my love for the environment and the Earth, as well as a tremendous amount of my childhood being spent outdoors. I plan to transfer to a four-year school, perhaps on a merchant marine ship studying the marine effects or an internship elsewhere to get my foot in the door.

“I was surprised by how nice the campus is and the teachers have all been very helpful and kind. It is important to reach out and connect with your peers; who knows, you might just meet someone very interesting.

“Scholarships helped me tremendously—they allowed my main focus to be doing well at school as I didn’t have to work a full-time job. It really showed me that the community was looking out for their fellow future generations, and it gave me a feeling of strength like I had a whole crowd watching my back and cheering me on!

“[For those considering biology], be prepared for the hard work, and try to think outside the box for a lot of the tasks in biology, as a lot of it requires substantial thinking and problem solving.”

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Leondrea Nichols

Associate of Arts in Business Administration
Ridgely, MD
Supported by the J.C. Gibson Memorial Scholarship

“I’ve always been good with math and numbers, and I found that accounting was a good career that suited my strengths and skills. After earning my associate, I plan on transferring to earn my bachelor’s degree and focusing on a career in accounting.

“Something that surprised me is the amount of events that are held on campus. I think the best part of my experience here at Chesapeake College is being involved and helping to organize some of the bigger events.

“This scholarship helped me with funds and allowed me to have more focus and motivation towards my education.

“[For those considering a career in accounting] it can be a tough career to study, but once you find your rhythm and figure out what works best, it gives you a new appreciation for finance and how businesses operate behind the scenes.”