Each year GCEA accepts applications from Garrett County high school students who plan on pursuing a career in public education. The amount of each scholarship is $500.00. This year, due to a limited number of applicants, GCEA chose two local students, Natalie Warne and Easton Rhoten, and awarded each $ 1000.00.
Natalie Warne: Southern Garrett High School (Oakland, MD)
- Natalie Warne is a senior at Southern Garrett High School and hopes to one day use play as a learning tool for her students. Natalie has a core foundation in STEM, and she has a passion for math and science that is infectious. Robotics has made a major impact on her life, and she wants to use what she has learned to ensure Garrett County and Appalachia youth are ready to meet the technological challenges of the future.
- Natalie has taught STEM lessons throughout Maryland, West Virginia, Georgia, and internationally to a small school in Canada. In addition, Natalie is a mentor for the FIRST Lego League program and currently interns as a GCPS personal teaching assistant.
- Already Natalie has been awarded the Women in Stem Scholarship from First Chesapeake. Upon becoming an educator, Natalie will represent the 4th generation of her family to serve GCPS students.
Easton Rhoten: Northern Garrett High School (Accident, MD)
- Easton Rhoten is a student at Northern Garrett High School that believes teaching is a very undervalued profession, and hopes to one day lead students to broaden their horizons and open their minds. He wants to be a positive influence for the children in his community, and feels as a teacher he can fit that role. In addition Easton hopes to be a coach, so that he can further heighten his ability to work with children.
- Easton has prioritized his education and proven himself as a driven and hardworking student. He is a member of the National Honors Society and Lettermen’s Club, in addition to being a proficient athlete.
- Easton was referred for the GCEA scholarship by both his AP Literature teacher and Baseball coach.
