Josette Marie Gandara Memorial Award
Established in 1991 in memory of their daughter, Josie, by Janet and Raul Gandara to benefit female graduates of Chopticon High School who have financial need.
Jessica Blankenship, four-year recipient of the Josette Marie Gandara Memorial Award, will graduate with the Class of 2011 with a degree in psychology and a minor in educational studies. Jessica plans to get a master's in school counseling. "I want to work with adolescents and help them during a time that is difficult for most of them."
Holly Mattingly '12, from Morganza, Maryland is majoring in psychology.
Alexandra Moore '13, from Mechanicsville, Maryland, transferred to St. Mary’s from the College of Southern Maryland. She is majoring in chemistry and psychology and pursuing minors in math, music, and Asian studies. In her free time, she enjoys playing sports and singing in the choir. Her biggest St. Mary's discovery has been the surprise and appreciation that come with learning new things. Alex's aspirations of becoming a forensic scientist have grown to include the entire field of analytic chemistry. She has also learned that the St. Mary's community is infinite, willing, and generous in its support of students.
Elizabeth Shupe '14, from Leonardtown, Maryland, is pursuing biology and a minor in neuroscience, and plans to attend graduate school. She participates in the college's fencing club. She has also realized that not only is the memorial award a wonderful tribute to Josie, but also to the Gandaras for reaching out to help students with their dreams of achieving higher education.
