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CEEF Gains National Coverage with Two New Winners
La Jolla, CA – The Cynthia Earley Educational Foundation (CEEF) and what is more commonly known as the “Cynthia Earley Scholarship”, is one of the more unique scholarships in the nation because it is awarded at one of the most exceptional events in the country for open water swimming, the Great Chesapeake Bay Swim (GCBS). The GCBS, founded in 1982 as a fundraiser for health related charities, was not the first open water swim event in the country, but it is certainly the most significant “charity swim” held annually. Since 1999, the scholarship has played an important role within the GCBS distinguishing young people who are giving back to their communities through GCBS charities, the March of Dimes (preventing birth defects) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust (provides environmental stewardship) among others. Recently, the “Daily News of Open Water Swimming” listed the GCBS as the fourth ranked open water swim in the United States and 98th in the world based on its history, number of participants and historical or beautiful locations. The website also listed our CEEF as “a great partner” in open water swimming. The website’s author, Steve Munatones, is one of the world’s foremost experts on open water swim events. Ohio Wesleyan University, where this year’s scholarship winner Taylor Smith will be attending, wrote an article about Taylor and our organization in their “Connect2 OWU”, a weekly e-magazine for the University. We have enjoyed coverage in magazines and newspapers like the Capitol and feel fortunate for the exposure a small nonprofit like ours receives on a regional and national scale. It demonstrates the significance the GCBS and CEEF respective missions in the community.
Smith Takes Scholarship to OWU, Makhlouf to U of MD
Once again, the Cynthia Earley Scholarship winner is one of the fastest the race has to offer. Taylor Smith, 18 of Arnold, MD (just two miles from where Cynthia Earley lived and raised her family) took second place overall by just a handful of seconds. Last year’s winner, Erin Luley, was also the second overall woman to finish. Taylor raised $650 for GCBS charities, which is almost three times the normal entry fee. Taylor is one of two Smith children attending a university and added “the scholarship definitely helps with tuition”.
Taylor Smith charges the finish line at the 2010 GCBSAlthough he has not declared a major yet, he is looking forward to the total college experience including varsity swimming. In his interview with Ohio Wesleyan, he states that he wants to “continue his swimming career at the NCAA level and community service activities through the university”. The foundation believes we will see Taylor returning to this award and are proud to have him as this year’s winner. |
Emily Makhlouf Bakes Her Way to Second Place Scholarship
Winning the $250 second place scholarship was Emily Makhlouf, 18 of Reisterstown, MD. who conducted a bake sale at her dorm for fellow University of Maryland students to raise the money needed to enter the swim. Her $300 moved her ahead of 75 other student/athletes to that were eligible for the scholarship. In fact, her 90 muffins, 40 lava cakes and 100 chocolate truffles were a huge hit during the winter snow storms.
Emily notes that she had no prior experience in organized swimming but some in track. She started training in Dec. 09. During the swim she felt that her wetsuit was not fitting very well and at the half way mark, wondered “if she was going to make it”. She also had to get through the outgoing tide in the second half of the 4.4 miles. Her biggest surprise was seeing a huge cargo ship behind her that she could not believe came so close. On land she was all smiles and thanked her parents, grandparents, cousins for assisting her through the fundraising process. Foundation Apparel and Corporate Sponsorships Now Available
Official CEEF T-shirts for men, women and children are available which carry the new CEEF logo. These high quality shirts are a great way to show your support of education and are complimentary for donations above $25. Please refer to the CEEF website for pictures/details or to our new a Facebook listing at “The Cynthia Earley Scholarship”. With warm regards – Brian
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