The Mission has selected six students from Washington and Hancock Counties to join the Davis Maine Scholarship program. Through a partnership with Andrew Davis and the Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund, the Davis Maine Scholarship ensures that Downeast first-generation college bound students can complete a four-year undergraduate degree without financial burden. This is the second cohort of Downeast students to receive the scholarship; the first group began their college studies in August.
Coupled with high expectations for high school excellence and college persistence and completion, Davis Maine Scholars receive consistent mentoring and support and a full, four-year scholarship at one of three partner colleges: Clark University (MA), University of New England (ME), and Wheaton College (MA). Partner colleges were selected in part based on their demonstrated commitment to supporting first-generation students including those from rural communities.
Modeled after the highly successful Davis New Mexico Scholarship, Davis Maine Scholarship applicants were assessed on their academic achievement, personal strengths, school and community engagement, and an application process that included essays, recommendations, and an interview. As high school seniors, selected Scholars participate in ongoing programming that includes individual mentoring, cohort workshops, college visits, and guidance with all aspects of their preparation for and eventual transition to college. In addition, this second cohort will benefit from opportunities to learn from the inaugural cohort of Davis Maine Scholars.
Our Class of 2023 Davis Maine Scholars are:
Marissa Colby of Franklin
Sumner Memorial High School
Daughter of Laura and Jonathan Colby
Joseph Dougherty of Jonesport
Jonesport-Beals High School
Son of Michelle Berry and Jeffrey Copp
Laney Oliver of Addison
Narraguagus High School
Daughter of Hilary Oliver and Stephen Oliver
Austin Rusecky of Addison
Narraguagus High School
Son of Hillary Saunders-Rusecky and Philip Rusecky
Antonio Vizcarrondo of Eastport
Shead High School
Son of Christina Vizcarrondo
Tori Webber of Sullivan
Sumner Memorial High School
Daughter of Courtney and Gerry Webber
Speaking about the program’s second cohort, Davis Maine Scholarship Director Christina Griffith said, “With stamina and spirit, these new Scholars inspire. Individually and together, they reflect so eloquently the tenacious strength and hopefulness of Downeast Maine. What an honor it is to know them, learn from them and support them.”
In addition to drawing applicants from Narraguagus High School and Sumner Memorial High School, Washington County students enrolled in Bowdoin Upward Bound were eligible to apply this year. Of the two Bowdoin Upward Bound recipients selected, Program Director Bridget Mullen said, “We’re thrilled that Antonio and Joseph will be able to attend college not only with generous financial support and a wonderful network of services provided by the Davis Maine Scholarship. We cannot wait to see where they go.”