2024 Newsletter #1
Havre de Grace State Champions
Last week I had the honor of presenting the Havre de Grace Lady Warriors Varsity Soccer team to the Senate Chamber. The Lady Warriors won their first-ever 1A Girls Varsity Soccer State Title Last fall. More impressively, these ladies have won the first girls team state title in any sport for their high school. The team persevered through multiple consecutive losses early in their season and went on a streak of winning 12 of their last 13 games. With a final score of 1-0 against Perryville High School, the Lady Warriors secured their victory in the championship. As a graduate of Havre de Grace, I am beyond proud of the camaraderie and work ethic the Lady Warriors and their coaches have demonstrated. I want to especially congratulate the four extraordinary senior players, all of whom will be attending college in the fall. The Lady Warriors and their coaches are truly commendable.
Aberdeen Proving Ground
I recently had the opportunity to tour the Army Research Lab and the Chemical Biological Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG). My goal with these tours was to establish connections and elevate the relationship between APG and our local schools. There are many skilled jobs available that our high schoolers and community college students can excel in. With the continued implementation of Maryland's sweeping education reform known as the Blueprint, there will be a new focus on high schools preparing students who do not plan on attending college for their careers. While they are still in school, my goal is to create certificate programs that, upon completion, provide a pipeline to employment at APG. Once they begin work, Harford Community College can offer more advanced certifications for anyone who chooses to develop an even more specialized skill set. APG provides a golden opportunity for our County to reap the benefits of skilled labor and economic development, and succeeding in this endeavor is a long-term goal of mine.
African American Heritage Preservation Grant Program
One program I would like to highlight is the African American Heritage Preservation Grant Program (AAHPP). The goal of AAHPP is to provide grants to preserve culturally significant buildings, communities, and sites, ensuring that we continue to study and remember the stories of Maryland's African American Community. These grants will also aid organizations and private citizens in their efforts to acquire, construct, or improve sites of African American Heritage. I am excited to say that the James Stephenson House (pictured above), located at 633 Craig's Corner Road in Havre de Grace, was awarded $119,000, which will be used to conserve the house, the associated corn crib, chicken house, and nine acres of surrounding land. Built in the 18th century, the Stephenson House maintains many historical features, such as oak, pine, and poplar flooring, multiple fireplaces, and a large cooking hearth which provide us with an insight into life at the time. Without the American Heritage Preservation Grant Program, historical sites such as the Stephenson House would be easily overlooked, and I am pleased that such an important building will be preserved.
Senatorial Scholarships are Live!
Our Senatorial Scholarship program is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. These scholarships can be used to cover the cost of vocational training, trade certifications, education at a two or four-year institution of higher education, and graduate school. The deadline is May 1st, and you can view the application here.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact my office at 410-841-3158 or marydulany.james@senate.state.md.us
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