The Ray Church Memorial Scholarship Program

The North Carolina Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America is pleased to continue to support higher education by means of financial and educational support.  Annually, the North Carolina Chapter offers scholarships to our members and/or their family members to continue educational endeavors.  In 2010, the North Carolina Chapter announced that this annual scholarship program would continue to honor the memory of former Board Member, Mr. Ray Church passed away on September 25, 2006 and former served as the solid waste director for New Hanover County.  Mr. Church additionally served the association in many capacities as an esteemed Board member.  Foremost, he was one of the founding members of our organization.  Mr. Church supported recognizing members through the scholarship program and recommended the expansion of the scholarship awards in order to broaden the financial support for members seeking to enrich their education.

During the 2010 scholarship campaign, the North Carolina Chapter received applications in both categories: high school graduates pursuing secondary education (Category I), and college level contenders (Category II).  The North Carolina Chapter has selected:

2010 Scholarship Winners

Ms. Elle A. Law ($2,000) Ms. Elle Law graduated in the spring of 2010 from Raleigh Charter High School and was sponsored by her father, Mr. James Law, a current NC SWANA member.  Ms. Law has an excellent academic history and a diverse extra-curricular record that ranged from Science Olympics to dance activities, and from legislative involvement to serving as a community ambassador.  Ms. Law has been accepted to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall of 2010 where she will major in biology and tackle a minor in environmental science.

Ms. Veronica Mbaneme ($1,000) Ms. Veronica Mbaneme was a graduate student applicant and a student SWANA member.  Ms. Mbaneme anticipates receiving her masters in biological engineering in May 2011.  She submits an impressive academic record from North Carolina State University and her graduate studies yielded research in the area of catalytic tar reformation of biomass derived syngas.

By our award and selection, both Chapter winners’ applications became eligible for the International SWANA competition.  The North Carolina Chapter is pleased to announce that Ms. Elle Law has been selected as the first place winner for the Category I - Grant H. Flint scholarship.  This award recognizes academic achievement, community involvement, and the applicant’s presentation of their views on a topic related to solid waste management.  Ms. Law will receive an award of $4,000.00 in recognition of the honor and will be featured in the August issue of the SWANA newsletter MSW solution.

The North Carolina Chapter will continue to support the educational efforts of our membership.  We thank all that were involved through application submissions, evaluation, and selection.  Congratulations to all of our winners.