Elaine's Gift Scholarship
Elaine Fagan
May 8, 1945 - May 18, 2003
Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Friend
Elaine’s Gift was established to honor the legacy of Elaine Fagan, and her desire to give her children every opportunity for advancement. Our motto is bringing higher education within reach for the children of single moms.
Elaine Fagan was a strong single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her four children. Born and raised in Temple Hills, Maryland, Elaine raised her children in her childhood home, teaching them the value of independence, responsibility, hard work, compassion and inclusion.
Elaine earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) as an adult student, letting no adversity stand in her way: from juggling single motherhood and multiple jobs, to riding her motorcycle in harsh weather the 45 miles between home and campus. Her degree led her to work in drug and alcohol counseling with the Maryland Health Department, and later she went on to work in budget analysis for the US Department of Treasury.
She truly embodied a “never give up” attitude, and passed that on to her children, as well as their friends, neighborhood kids, and others who crossed her path. Elaine loved life, the beach, and people of all walks of life. She was known for her compassion, lighting up any room she entered, and giving the truth with grace and love.
On May 18, 2003, Elaine lost her short two-week battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leaving behind her four adult children and three of her eventual six grandchildren. She had just celebrated her 58th birthday.
Our 2023 Scholarship Recipients
On May 21 2023, we honored our first Elaine's Gift Scholarship recipients!
These two seniors are truly inspiring and they exemplify everything about Elaine’s resilience, thirst for learning, determination, and care for others. They represent their respective high schools with leadership and pride.
It was an honor and privilege to award them scholarships!
D'Angelo Pracht-Scott - $5,000 Scholarship
with mom Tabitha and sister Aryanna
Calvert High School
Towson University, Class of 2027: Anthropology
Kali Gaestel - $1,500 Scholarship
with mom Cheryl Cooney
Old Mill High School
Temple University, Class of 2027: Journalism
The Scholarship
9 The Elaine's Gift Scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors that are the children of single mothers. These students demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and plan to pursue higher education through an accredited college, university, or trade school on a full-time basis, yet are hampered by financial need. The scholarship amount ranges from $1,000-$5,000, depending on the year.
Currently, the scholarship is open to students attending high schools in the counties surrounding Elaine's home in the suburbs of Washington, DC. This includes: Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George's, and St. Mary's counties.
The 2024 application period is February 19-April 19, 2024.
Please review the requirements noted below and download the application below.
The Elaine’s Gift Scholarship Fund is a component fund of Chesapeake Charities, a public foundation designated as a 501 C 3 charity. Gifts to the fund are fully tax-deductible as allowable by law. A copy of Chesapeake Charities’ financial statement is available upon request by emailing Linda Kohler, Executive Director at linda@chesapeakecharities.org, or by calling 410-643-4020. Information about Chesapeake Charities can be requested under the Maryland Charitable Solicitation Act and can be obtained from the Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Application Requirements
Please see the scholarship requirements below. Students must submit completed application with all supporting documentation by the deadline noted above.
Academic Eligibility
Excellent record of high school academic achievement with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average, as demonstrated by academic transcript.
Leadership Eligibility
Demonstrated community involvement, which may include secular or religious organizations.
Personal Essay
Personal essay of 500 words answering these questions:
How has being raised by a single mother shaped your personal character and desire to further your education?
How will you use this circumstance to shape your future?
Supporting Documentation
Application must be submitted with the following supporting documentation:
High school transcript
Two letters of recommendation from high school teachers, coaches, guidance counselors or community leaders.
Elaine's Gift Scholarship Brunch
Every May, we host the Elaine's Gift Scholarship Brunch to bring comfort to those for whom Mother's Day is especially challenging due to the loss of a mother, mother figure, or child, while honoring the scholarship recipient and raising funds for future Elaine's Gift scholarships.
Mark your calendar for our 2024 Brunch on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Vaughan Cheese Counter & Bar in North Beach, MD
This will be a beautiful celebration in a beautiful location with a sumptuous menu, and 40% of every ticket will be donated to the scholarship fund!
Brunch will include delicious selections for all appetites:
American artisan cheeses
Vegetable Crudite
Muffaletta Sandwich
Arugula & Fruit Salad
Pimento Cheese & Lavash
Olives & Nuts
Hand-crafted dessert
Coffee, tea, soda, juice
and 1 mimosa per person
(guests will receive 1 ticket each)
Donate or Contact Us
Erin Harrigan, Founder
erin@erinharrigan.com
443-684-3131
Chesapeake Charities
410-643-4020
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