The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s mid-Atlantic regional office awarded $1,000 scholarships to two Philadelphia students for their academic and community service achievements.

Amada G. Felix, a graduate of the Franklin Learning Center High School, will use the scholarship as she prepares to start her freshman year at Clark Atlanta University in the fall. She intends to pursue studies towards becoming a criminal justice lawyer.

"Becoming a lawyer would give me the ability to make criminals think twice before committing a crime," Felix said. "Most importantly, I would be able to say to myself every day, 'I made a difference.'"

Kenneth E. Booker, a graduate of Parkway West High School, also received a scholarship which will help him as he begins engineering studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

"Engineering is about thinking and creativity," said Booker. "In my eyes, my major is the best there is and I will not let anyone stop me from achieving my dream."

Through funds raised by EPA's Black Employment Program Advisory Council, the agency awards a scholarship each year to a Philadelphia high school graduating male and female bound for college.

8/22/2008