Scholar Films
Harun's most recent film, In the Name of the Son, is based on his experiences growing up in wartime Bosnia
Mary Ellen Dingley
“Much of my growth from a naïve middle school student to a responsible young adult has occurred while I have been a Young Scholar. My talents and interests have been coaxed along, my rough spots polished, all under the encouraging auspices of the Foundation. It is as if I lived with a constant coach, pushing me forward, cheering me on.”
- Program: 2008 College Scholarship Recipient
- Hometown: Woodstock, GA
- Four-year College or University: University of Mary Washington
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Liberal Arts, Nonprofits, English
- Other Interests: Literature, Nonprofits, Performing Arts / Theatre
Biography
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUNG SCHOLAR EXPERIENCE: Mary Ellen is passionate about writing and has participated in the Young Writer’s Workshop at the University of Virginia. She has participated in the Georgia State Thespian Conference for two consecutive years, where she has taken workshops that range from dance to stage management. Mary Ellen has also traveled to the United Kingdom to attend a film studies class at University of Oxford. As a Young Scholar, she also took tennis lessons and played on a United States Tennis Association team.
PROFILE: As a former home-schooler, Mary Ellen feels that learning should not be limited to books and tests, but also include nature walks, theater, museums, and concerts. She is an active member of her high school theater department and has directed and acted in various performances, which helped to develop her leadership skills and ability to work under pressure. Mary Ellen works as a waitress at a local café and as a janitor at her church. “Waiting tables has taught me about hard work and human nature, while vacuuming floors has taught me patience and humility.”
INSPIRATION: Mary Ellen’s mother played a huge role in her life by listening to her dreams and encouraging her to reach her goals. Mary Ellen also looks up to her grandmother, who was a civil rights activist in Georgia during the 1960s.
ASPIRATION: Mary Ellen plans to pursue a career in international journalism.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: She has dedicated more than 100 hours as a library volunteer and been awarded a bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award.
ACCOLADES: Mary Ellen received the Daughters of the American Revolution Award for her outstanding work in American history. Other academic awards include the Cherokee County Superintendent’s Key Scholar award, an AP Honor Award, and the Lamp of Knowledge Award for maintaining an average grade of 90 or above for three consecutive years.
INTERESTING FACT: Mary Ellen worked her way up from being an extra on the school tennis team to playing the number two singles position, winning the Most Improved Player Award. To achieve this she took tennis lessons with support from the Foundation and underwent physical therapy to heal a knee injury.
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