Thinking Big at Magothy Middle!

Carson Scholar Winners 2008

Magothy Middle is a Carson Scholar School. Dr. Carson, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, and his wife Candy founded this fund in 1984. The mission was unique, offering $1,000 college scholarships to students based on high academics and humanitarianism. The fund supports Dr. Carson’s “THINK BIG” philosophy to foster academic growth and positive personal growth.

Magothy became involved in the Carson Scholars Fund in 1994. Our goal was to “endow” our own scholar by raising $15,000. Three years later, and two very successful Chevy’s Family Dinner Nights”, we proudly announced we had met our goal. In 2002, we became the only school in the United States to “endow” their own scholar each year. Dr. Carson visited Magothy and celebrated with us. He commended our entire community for our commitment to “investing in children’s minds.” Our huge trophy arrived and our first scholar, Kim Brown, received her $1,000 college scholarship. She actually went on to Broadneck High School where she won twice again by the National Carson Fund.

In 2004, Andrew G. proudly won our “endowed” scholarship. He was so motivated as our scholar that he promoted the idea of Magothy “going for another endowment”. The race was on. This time endowments went up and we needed $25,000. The school and community all focused on raising this money. We participated in a “Read to Succeed” program, and another family “Chevy’s Night”. Our scholar, Andrew, raised additional money by performing a “Ragtime Piano Concert” in which he raised $1,852.00. We were still short by a few thousand dollars which we planned to make at our next “Chevy’s Night”. Meanwhile, Kate S. was awarded our 2005 scholarship and Andrew Greene actually won nationally as a PAST scholar.

With great pride, at the end of 2005, we had reached our $25,000 goal. We were “Thinking Big” at Magothy. Dr. Carson was amazed at our accomplishments as a community. We now had two scholarships to offer students each year. In 2006, Sarah Hamil and Edward Kardish were awarded Magothy’s two endowed college scholarships. All money is held in a trust until graduation from high school.

At “Back to School Night” please view our new pictures in the main hallway. They were a gift from Dr. Carson and represent the accomplishments of our fine school. We also have a gorgeous showcase which displays various awards presented to Magothy by Dr. Carson. It will be missing ONE thing, our beautiful trophy. The trophy and various other “treasures” will be on display in our media center along with a multimedia presentation by Dr. Carson. Please stop by to see our wonderful display!

Who will be our 2008 scholars? How can a student become a scholar?

Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 with a GPA of 3.75 after the first marking period are eligible to apply. Candidates are selected by our Carson Scholarship Committee, which includes teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors. Students write personal essays outlining their volunteer work that specifically benefits individuals, groups, non-profit organizations and their community. Finally, they are interviewed. We are so proud of our students at Magothy and know the competition will be tough. We urge all students to “Think Big” and be the best they can be. We are excited for another successful school year and meeting all of your children.