On August 4, Rodney Corley, President of the CARH Scholarship Foundation (Foundation), announced the six recipients of the Foundations 2020 scholarships during a Zoom call. In addition to the recipients, participants on the call were representatives from the Foundation, CARH’s Board of Directors, CARH staff, and representatives of the management companies that manage the properties where the recipients reside. A recording to the Zoom call can be viewed here.

24 students submitted applications, which included essays using their own unique, personal life experiences that have helped shape their belief that affordable housing should be a vital component of communities throughout the country. Six recipients were then selected by the CARH Scholarship Selection Committee for their academic excellence and potential for achievement, as well as for their essay and personal statement. The recipients of the scholarships live in rural affordable housing properties owned or managed by CARH members. Each scholarship provides $1,500 per semester for up to four years of undergraduate college or vocational/trade school. The 2020 CARH Scholarship Recipients are:

Federica Alesiani – James L. Poehlman Scholarship Recipient

Federica is a resident of Fir Village Apartments in Oak Harbor, Washington, a property managed by CARH member Ad-West Realty Services, Inc. She is a 2020 graduate of Oak Harbor High School and earned a 3.75 GPA. While in high school, Federica was involved in tennis; president of the Future Business Leaders of America club; National Honor Society; secretary of the Associate Student Body, Link Crew Club leader; secretary of the Random Acts of Kindness Club; and was a member of both the Student Advisory Council and the Advanced Academics Leaders Program. In addition to many awards and certificates, she also volunteered extensively within her community. Federica will be attending the University of Washington and will major in translation. Her career goal is to become a court interpreter.

Wesley Partch – Gordon L. Blackwell Scholarship Recipient

Wesley is a resident of Lake City Apartments in Lake City, Pennsylvania, a property managed by CARH member TM Associates Management. He is a 2020 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Girard High School and earned a 4.46 GPA. While in high school, Wesley was a member of many clubs and ran a school-wide esports tournament. He was enrolled in many Advanced Placement and Regional Choice Initiative (college level) courses, which translates to a year’s worth of college credits. Wesley will be attending Edinboro University and will major in game and virtual world design. His career goal is to become a video-game designer.

Malea Benjamin – Jack Godin, Jr. Scholarship Recipient

Malea is a resident of South Hills Apartments in Pell City, Alabama, a property managed by CARH member Olympia Management. She is a 2020 graduate of Pell City High School where she earned an advanced diploma and a GPA of 4.26. While in high school, Malea was executive president of the Student Government Association; president of the Beta Club; vice-president of the Debate Team; marketing director of the yearbook staff; a Pell City High School ambassador; and a member of the Girls Junior Civitans, National English Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the National Spanish Honors Society. She will attend the University of Alabama and major in political science. Her career goal is to become a community leader and politician.

Layla Zeferino – CRHD Founders Scholarship Recipient

Layla is a resident of Jackson Parkview Apartments in Hendersonville, North Carolina, a property managed by Partnership Property Management. She is 2020 graduate of East Henderson Hight School and earned a 4.19 GPA. While in high school, Layla held lead roles in the Flat Rock Playhouse and school plays, was a member of competitive dance, Strength Club, and a dance volunteer teacher. In addition, she was a member of the Dance Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa. She will attend Hollins University and major in theatre, minor in music and plans to earn certificates in both musical theatre and arts management. Her career goal is to become a successful actress and have a productive career in the entertainment industry.

Zadie Taylor – Scholarship Foundation Scholarship Recipient

Zadie is a resident of Rock Butte Apartments in Green River, Wyoming, a property managed by CARH member Syringa Property Management. She is an involved single mother and has worked with the mentally disabled community, children, elderly, and families, since she was in high school. Zadie will be attending Western Community College where she will begin her education toward becoming a nurse practitioner.

Tiarah Gray – CARH Scholarship Recipient

Tiarah is a resident of Orchard Court Apartments in Berryville, Virginia, a property managed by CARH member TM Associates Management. She is currently working full time and taking her last course before earning her associate degree in healthcare science. Once completed, she will continue her education at Shepherd University where she will major in nursing. Her career goal is to obtain her master’s degree and then become a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in adolescent psychotherapy.

CARH created the Scholarship Foundation in 2005 to promote education and expand opportunities for residents of CARH member properties. CARH currently awards six scholarships annually, three of which are named in memory of past CARH members who served CARH and the affordable housing industry with distinction; one scholarship is named for the founders of the original CARH, the Council for Rural Housing Development; the fifth scholarship is named in honor of the Scholarship Foundation; and the sixth scholarship is named after the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing.

For more information about the CARH Scholarship Foundation, past recipients, and how to donate to the foundation, please click here.