Oak Crest Residents Support Student Employees’ Educational Goals

Spring has sprung—and so have the pathways to college for a number of local high school students, thanks to the Student Scholar Awards at Oak Crest, an Erickson Senior Living-managed community in Parkville, Maryland.

At a recent ceremony, 32 dedicated students employed in Oak Crest’s dining venues were recognized and awarded with college scholarships made possible by generous resident and employee contributions. Each student will receive cumulative scholarships of $10,000 to $20,000 for college, university, or accredited trade school, based upon their GPA with payments distributed to the schools over four years. 

“Our student workers really appreciate these impactful awards. I’d like to thank the residents and employees who contributed to this year’s Student Scholarship Fund,” said Executive Director Mark Roussey.

At the Oak Crest 2023 Scholars’ Celebration, several residents and staff members addressed the students, offering inspiration, motivation and encouragement. These included residents Jacqueline Hedberg, who is a retired high school history teacher, Sandy Strawhand, Philanthropy representative for Oak Crest’s Resident Advisory Council, and Peggy Rowe, a New York Times-bestselling author and the mother of Mike Rowe, host of the hit television show “Dirty Jobs”. Mike addressed the students with a special video about the importance and benefits of considering trade schools when deciding on an occupation. 

Students were also awarded official citations from the Maryland House of Delegates, on behalf of Delegates Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga. The citations honored each student and their achievements.

Since 1997, the Oak Crest Student Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $3.5 million in financial aid to 1,003 student employees to help advance their collegiate careers. In fact, Student Scholar Awards are just one of the many ways that Oak Crest supports mission-driven staff members who are eager to further their education and professional development.

To learn more about open positions and career benefits at Oak Crest, visit www.OakCrestCommunity.com.