Students Win Chamber Scholarships

Plenty of Darienites were honored to march or ride in Monday’s parade, but two Darien High School students got an added bonus: $2,500. The Darien Chamber of Commerce awarded its annual scholarships last week, giving the prize to DHS seniors Liam McCarthy and Jessica Van Ingen. Along with the monetary awards, the two were given the honor of riding in the parade on a BMW convertible, supplied by BMW of Darien.

Each year, the chamber gives out two scholarships to graduating seniors. One is chosen by the school’s administration, based on grades, financial need, and other factors. That prize went to McCarthy, who will use the scholarship when he attends the University of Connecticut next fall.

The chamber awards the other scholarship itself, to an employee or relative of an employee of a member business. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Carol Wilder-Tamme said the chamber looks for “well-rounded” students, those that not only get good grades but also participate in school activities and volunteer for community organizations. For example, this year’s winner, Van Ingen, worked with EMS Post 53. She will also attend UConn in the fall.

“We congratulate Liam McCarthy and Jessica Van Ingen on their past achievements,” Wilder-Tamme said, “and wish them continued success in their college careers at University of Connecticut.” Anyone interested in applying for the chamber’s scholarship next year  can download the application at www.DarienChamberOnline.com.

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