Sgt. David J. Smith Scholarship Awarded by Community Foundation

FREDERICK, MD: July 12, 2011: The first scholarships from The Sgt. David J. Smith Memorial Fund have been awarded to Amanda Stokes and Joshua Tokar. The fund is one of more than 600 component funds of The Community Foundation of Frederick County. In 2010, Mary Jane McWilliams, John H. Jones, Leonard A. Smith, and Olga Smith created the fund through the Community Foundation in memory of their son, Sgt. David J. Smith, who was wounded in combat at Helmand Province of Afghanistan and died in Germany due to injuries from serving his country. The fund was established to support students like Sgt. Smith, who graduated from Frederick High School in 2002, and who demonstrate leadership qualities, actively serve in their community, participate in a faith-based organization, and have a strong sense of patriotism.

Joshua Tokar, a 2011graduate of Frederick High School, will attend Hood College and pursue a major in computer sciences. “I am so grateful for this scholarship,” said Joshua. “I will do my very best in my studies at Hood College to be worthy of this award.”

Amanda Stokes, also a 2011 graduate of Frederick High School, will attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to pursue a degree in special education. “It has meant so much to me to be the recipient of this scholarship,” said Amanda. “I will always live out the legacy of Sgt. David J. Smith.”

Since 1986, The Community Foundation of Frederick County has provided more than $26 million in scholarships to area students who might otherwise not be able to attend college or trade school and grants to area nonprofits serving the community. This tremendous accomplishment is a direct result of generous donors who touch the future with each donation, leaving a positive impact of lasting change for the Frederick County community. For additional information about the Community Foundation, please call 301.695.7660.