Way2GoMaryland Event Attracts Crowd
on the Eastern Shore

ADELPHI, Md. (December 14, 2009) - Nearly 200 middle- and early high-school students and parents attended the Way2GoMaryland event Saturday, December 5, at Chesapeake College on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Way2GoMaryland is the University System of Maryland's (USM) information campaign created to encourage more students-working with their families, guidance counselors, and teachers-to prepare for college early.

The event featured a panel discussion, a lively question-and-answer session, and an information fair staffed by admissions and financial aid representatives from USM universities. Partnering with USM at the information fair were representatives from the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the College Savings Plans of Maryland.

Darryl Blueitt, deputy division vice president and general manager for a division of ATK Mission Systems, encouraged students to work hard and not to shy away from math, science, and technology classes in high school. He also discussed pathways to exciting careers as engineers and related professions.

Panelist Patrick Correlli, a physician's assistant major at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, also painted a picture of where good preparation and focus can lead you. "Two weeks ago, I had my arm inside the chest of a dying man with his beating heart in my hand," related Correlli. "I've drilled and sawed through human bones. I've performed procedures that seemed to bring people back to life. College has given me the power to heal."

The two other panelists-Alexis Wilkins, a Salisbury University senior, and Aaron Basko, director of admissions at Salisbury-also challenged and encouraged the students to get and stay on track to college.

Following the program, students and parents participated in the information fair. A dozen of the students were lucky enough to win door prizes donated by USM institutions.

"We continue to receive positive feedback about our Way2GoMaryland campaign and we appreciate ATK's ongoing support of this initiative," said Anne Moultrie, USM associate vice chancellor for communications, who created and manages the campaign. "We are telling families throughout Maryland that college is possible, that it is worth planning and working for. Moreover, Way2GoMaryland demonstrates USM Chancellor William Kirwan's unwavering commitment to increasing students' readiness for college-level work, their access to college, and their success in earning degrees."

To view photos from the December 5 Way2GoMaryland event on the Eastern Shore, click here:

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