Ten high school seniors who wrote winning essays on how to prevent underage drinking and driving have been awarded $2,500 toward their college education through the seventh annual Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship Program.

The Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo, L.L.P. ® has awarded $25,000 in college scholarships to graduating high school seniors in counties served by the firm, including Mecklenburg, Gaston, Catawba, Union, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Lincoln, Rowan, Caldwell, York, Stanly, Iredell, Alexander and Burke counties.

“We see the tragic effects of alcohol-related accidents on a daily basis. Since there are never any words to comfort clients who have lost loved ones, this is our chance to give back in another way,” said Attorney Michael A. DeMayo, who has awarded $125,000 in college scholarships since founding the scholarship program in 2003. “Through this program we want to try and prevent accidents caused by underage drinking and driving and help teenagers make smarter decisions.”

DeMayo presented the winners with their checks at a scholarship dinner he hosted on May 28 at Mama Ricotta’s for the students and their parents. Click here to see photos from the dinner.

The 10 winning essays will be published in a booklet this summer and sent to community leaders and lawmakers with hope that the students’ thoughts and suggestions could help formulate public policy and increase awareness.

“We’re looking for a new perspective – for good ideas that can affect public policy and save lives,” DeMayo said.

For more information, contact Kristine Woolley at (704) 343-4644.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2009 Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship!

Michelle Austin Hopewell High School (Mecklenburg) Attending: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	Annalise Farris North Lincoln High School (Lincoln) Attending: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Elizabeth Henry Providence Day School (Mecklenburg) Attending: Cornell University	Lauren Houston South Caldwell High School (Caldwell) Attending: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
India Prather Monroe High School (Union) Attending: Wake Forest University	Kaitlin Price Gray Stone Day School (Stanly) Attending: Wake Forest University
Kaley Rivera South Point High School (Gaston) Attending: Appalachian State University	Erin Sturgess Hickory Christian Academy (Catawba) Attending: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Jennifer Telschow E.E. Waddell High School (Mecklenburg) Attending: Stanford University	Jaclyn Wright Marvin Ridge High School (Union) Attending: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Please view the Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship winners from past years:

• 2003
• 2004
• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2008

Read the Official Contest Rules

Contact the Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo, L.L.P. ® today to receive more information about our scholarship program or to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers.