Baltimore Native Dante Chestnut Earns Scholarship

Dante Chestnut of Baltimore has been honored as the first recipient of a scholarship from the Beltway Companies Endowed Scholarship Fund.

The Beltway Companies is a commercial truck dealership in Maryland.

Chestnut received a $5,000 award from the fund established by Beltway founders Jack C. And Jeanne Saum, both St. Mary's graduates, according to a news release from ReadMedia.

"The fund is also part of St. Mary's College's Baltimore Scholarship Initiative, established by the France-Merrick Foundation, the Landers Foundation, and private donors to benefit academically talented students from Baltimore City who have financial need," the release states.

"We are incredibly proud to have had Dante as the first recipient of this scholarship," said Maureen Silva, St. Mary's College vice president for advancement.

To be eligible, a St. Mary's student must be going into their third year at the school, majoring in busienss or economics.

They must show financial need to be eligible for the two-year, $5,000 (minimum) gap scholarship, the release states.

"Preference is given to students from Baltimore City Public Schools and for family members of those who work in the commercial trucking and transportation industry," the release states.

Chestnut was also an intern at Beltway, it states.

"During my internship I learned so much about commercial transportation; it was the best experience I have ever had," Chestnut said.