Four remarkable young Baltimoreans are the recipients of Memorial’s 2026 Young Scholar Award, a $2500 college scholarship offered by our church to outstanding Baltimore City public high school students. 

Applicants must be in their senior year at a high school in the Baltimore City public school system, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, have been accepted to a four-year college or university, and have submitted a personal essay. A committee of church members review the applications and select awardees based on their academic achievement, community service, and financial need. 

This year’s awardees are all members of the class of 2026. Three of the awardees are graduates of The Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, and one is a graduate of The Baltimore School for the Arts.

Christopher was president of his class, as well as cheer captain, and cofounder of the boys' volleyball club. He also served as student ambassador for Upward Bound Math and Science. He is interested in pursuing a career in pharmaceutical sciences, and he will be attending Florida A&M University.

Zoe is interested in creative writing, storytelling, art, and animation. She played violin in the school band, and she was a member of the theatre club. She also participated in art programs, including classes at MICA and Art With a Heart. She will be attending St. Mary's College of Maryland to further develop her skills in art and creative writing.

Ziggy is a photographer and filmmaker who also studies music, philosophy, and Buddhism. He has already written and directed many award-winning short films, and he has exhibited his photography in local galleries. He was also involved in a variety of community service activities. He intends to study film, and he will be attending Morehouse College.

Desire had an outstanding academic record (including honors courses in English, Chinese, Biology, Chemistry, and History), and she was involved in imany community service activities (including volunteering at Let's Thrive Baltimore and Our Daily Bread). She is interested in pursuing a career in forensic chemistry, and she will be attending Towson University.

• We know the Memorial community joins us in applauding the achievements of these four outstanding young people.

Would you like to help with this important initiative at Memorial Church next year? Please complete the contact form at the bottom of the page. We will be sure to loop you into the process in spring 2027!

The Memorial Church Young Scholars Award committee

Alex Scott, Chair

Members: Beth Casey, Ginny Hornbeck, Amy Krulak