Michael A DeMayo Scholarship Program Awards May 2007

CHARLOTTE, NC (May 22, 2007) — Ten high school seniors who wrote winning essays on how to prevent underage drinking and driving will be awarded $2,500 toward their college education through the fifth annual Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship Program.

The Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo, L.L.P. ® are awarding $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 and Iredell 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 more $75,000 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 will present the winners with their checks at a scholarship dinner he will host at 7 p.m. May 30 at Mama Ricotta’s for the students and their parents. The 2007 scholarship recipients are:

Ramine Alexander
North Mecklenburg High School (Mecklenburg)
Attending: Winston-Salem State University

Kristin Beeker
West Lincoln High School (Lincoln)
Attending: Western Carolina University

Austin Bell
Forest Hills High School (Union)
Attending: North Carolina State University

Chelsea Gerhard
David W. Butler High School (Mecklenburg)
Attending: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Cramer McCullen
Charlotte Christian (Mecklenburg)
Attending: Vanderbilt University

Melanie Montanez
Sun Valley High School (Union)
Attending: University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Elise Ramirez
Providence High School (Mecklenburg)
Attending: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Anna Rhyne
East Gaston High School (Gaston)
Attending: North Carolina State University

Brendan Riley
Jay M. Robinson High School (Cabarrus)
Attending: Davidson College

Jessica Siciliano
St. Stephens High School (Catawba)
Attending: North Carolina State University

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.

The Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo, L.L.P. ® have offices in Charlotte, Hickory and Monroe and practices in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence and social security disability.

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