RISING SUN, MD — The Cecil College Foundation awarded nearly $487,633 in scholarships to approximately 345 students for the 2026-27 academic year, providing financial assistance for higher education as the institution continues raising private funds to help students cover tuition and other educational expenses.
The foundation brought together more than 250 scholarship recipients, donors, Cecil County officials and college representatives at its annual Scholarship Breakfast earlier this month at the Rising Sun Banquet Hall.
The gathering connected scholarship recipients with the individuals and organizations financing their education, while recognizing contributions to the college’s student assistance programs.
The foundation is governed by a 25-member board of community leaders responsible for developing financial and other resources to support Cecil College students.
The scholarship awards represent an average of approximately $1,413 per recipient, although individual award amounts vary.
“Every contribution, large or small, helps create opportunities for students, strengthens Cecil College and our community, and empowers our graduates to build a brighter future for themselves and for Cecil County,” said Susan O’Neill, vice chair of the Cecil College Foundation.
Among the recipients is Kayla Plank, a graduate of Bohemia Manor High School who began her second year studying psychology at Cecil College this fall.
Plank said scholarship assistance has reduced the financial pressure associated with tuition, course expenses and instructional materials, allowing her to concentrate on her academic work.
“I’m not sure how I would be here without the support of these scholarships,” Plank said. “They have had such a positive impact on my life, allowing me to focus on my education and work toward my dreams.”
Plank chose Cecil College partly because it allowed her to pursue higher education close to home. She plans to become a forensic psychologist and hopes to work for the FBI.
The breakfast also included recognition of Ed Durham, Cecil College’s athletic director, who received the 2026 Mary A. Maloney Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the institution and the surrounding community.
Durham has spent more than three decades at Cecil College as a student-athlete, coach and athletic administrator.
A former two-sport athlete, he has overseen athletic programs that achieved multiple postseason titles while maintaining an emphasis on academic accountability and student development.
His work has included mentoring student-athletes, maintaining relationships with graduates and organizing fundraising initiatives, including the annual Green and Gold Tournament.
Durham used the recognition to encourage students to support future generations after completing their education.
“To the students here today, my hope is that one day, after you have moved on from Cecil College, you will find ways to give back and help those who come after you,” Durham said.
The foundation also presented Health Education Lift Program Fund Awards to incoming nursing students.
The awards provided stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and other equipment required for nursing coursework and clinical preparation.
The foundation is seeking additional contributions to expand the Health Education Lift Program, known as HELP, and increase the assistance available to nursing students.
The equipment awards complement the foundation’s broader scholarship program by addressing educational costs beyond tuition.
Applications for Cecil College Foundation scholarships for the next academic year opened October 1 at www.cecil.edu/scholarships.
Contributions to the HELP Fund and other foundation programs can be made at www.cecil.edu/donate or by calling 410-287-1146.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.