Cecil College Foundation celebrates donors, Scholarship recipients at annual breakfast

RISING SUN, Md: The Cecil College Foundation hosted its annual Scholarship Breakfast earlier this month at the Rising Sun Banquet Hall, an event that introduces generous contributors to the students benefiting from the scholarships they support.

More than 250 donors, scholarship recipients, Cecil County officials, and representatives from the College and Foundation attended the event. This event provides an opportunity for scholarship donors to meet the students they have supported through their generosity.

“We are gathered here today not only to recognize the academic achievements of these exceptional students, but also to celebrate the deep impact scholarships have on our broader communities. None of this is possible without the support of our local government, business leaders, and community members who recognize the importance of education and the impact it has on the prosperity of Cecil County and the surrounding region,” said Dr. Jonathan Seidenberg, Chairman of the Cecil College Foundation. “These students are committed to their education and to improving their futures, which in turn helps improve our future as a community. I commend these students for their dedication and thank you for being here with us today.”

The Cecil College Foundation Board of Directors comprises 25 community leaders who work to develop financial and other resources to support Cecil College students. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Foundation awarded scholarships to a total of 338 students, amounting to $520,633.

One of those 338 students benefiting was Avery Brown, a North East High School graduate who entered this fall’s semester as a freshman having already accumulated 30 credits with a 3.75 GPA.

“The opportunities Cecil College provided have already made a huge positive impact on my life,” said Avery, recipient of the Cecil County Council Scholarship. “During my senior year, I was able to take classes and earn credits that applied to both high school and college. This experience opened my eyes to the realm of possibilities a college education could offer, and it made the transition from high school feel exciting rather than intimidating.”

While maintaining a part-time job during his senior year, Avery’s dedication to his education earned him honor roll recognition. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and the Future Business Leaders Club, where he attended the Maryland Future Business Leaders Conference this past spring.

“Originally, I planned to earn an associate degree in business administration, but thanks to the incredible generosity of the Cecil County government and its donors, I’ve been able to expand that vision as I’m now pursuing associate degrees in both management and accounting. This two-year scholarship not only lifted a financial burden but it also revealed opportunities that I didn’t know were possible,” said Avery. “After I graduate with my associate degrees and transfer to a four-year university, I don’t know where my path will lead, but whichever path I choose, I know I’ll be well prepared thanks to the foundation that has been and will continue to be built at Cecil College.”

Keynote speaker D.J. Wootson, a proud alumnus of Cecil College, delivered an inspiring story centered on the power of recognizing and seizing opportunities. Coming from Wilmington, Delaware, Mr. Wootson reflected on how significant this moment was for the students in the audience who now sit in the same seat of opportunity he once did. He emphasized that being at Cecil College, especially with the support of scholarships, is a unique and powerful chance to pursue success.

Mr. Wootson shared his personal journey of adversity and transformation, offering a raw account of his struggles growing up. At 15, he had failed multiple grades and was already facing fatherhood. With his father absent and his mother doing her best to raise him, he found himself headed down a difficult path. But basketball opened a new door when Cecil College’s Coach Bill Lewett recruited him. Mr. Wootson took the chance, though unfamiliar with Cecil County at the time, and made the most of it - becoming an All-American athlete and the College’s all-time leading scorer. This step was the beginning of a trajectory that would take him to Georgia State University, graduate school at Vanderbilt, and beyond.

His time in higher education opened doors in the business world, where he gained knowledge of finance, investments, and entrepreneurship. Mr. Wootson used those lessons to build a successful real estate and construction business. Now a business owner, pilot, and self-made success, Mr. Wootson credited it all to taking that first opportunity at Cecil College. He encouraged the students to recognize the value of their current situation, to work hard, and to remain resilient in the face of challenges.

“Opportunities don’t always present themselves twice. They are fleeting, and what you do with them now can shape your future,” said Mr. Wootson. “One day, all of you could be the ones giving back, transitioning from scholarship recipients to donors. So, take full advantage of the opportunities in front of you today.”

During the breakfast, the Mary A. Maloney Distinguished Service Award was presented to Sarah W. Colenda in recognition of her outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to community service. In accepting the award, Colenda honored the legacy of her mentor, Mary Maloney, pledging to continue fostering opportunity, empowering students, and advancing the mission of Cecil College.

The breakfast concluded with the presentation of the Health Education Lift Program (HELP) Fund Awards to incoming nursing students. These awards included the students’ stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and other instruments for their program. The Cecil College Foundation is seeking additional donors to enhance the HELP Fund and expand the support it provides. To donate to this fund, or any other fund, please visit www.cecil.edu/donate or call 410-287-1146.

The Cecil College Foundation scholarship application for the next academic year opens on October 1 at www.cecil.edu/scholarships.

www.cecil.edu