SCHOLARSHIP | smcbhc

The Dinah K. Somerville Scholarship Fund began in 2011 in the loving memory of our beloved daugther, sister, wife, aunt and friend. Dinah was born and raised in St. Mary's County and an advocate connoisseur of educating our youth and celebrating black history.

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist with the tuition cost for ambitious individuals whose goals are to attend a college, university or trade school of his/her choice.

Through SMCBHC sponsored events and fundraisers this scholarship will continue to be funded through the support of the people in and around St. Mary's County. For 2025 - 2026 scholarship year our organization will be awarding $1000 to next set of deserving students. Check back for details!!

Submissions Deadline: TBA

2027-2028 APPLICATION PROCESS

2026 - 2027 Scholarship Awardees:

ZANIYAH BUSH

University of Maryland

Major: Music Education

Awarded $1000

"Zaniyah Bush is a dedicated senior that plays four different instruments, founded a student-led newspaper, and spends her spare time volunteering at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. She will be attending the University of Maryland - College Park campus majoring in Music Education and plans to be a college park scholar, learn twice as many instruments as she knows now and start her own private music business."

DAJAH HINMON

Towson University

Major: Biology

Awarded $1000

Dajah Hinmon – Senior at Great Mills High School, Honor Roll student, and active member of NHS, Student Government, and Pickleball Club. Passionate about service, she volunteers with Building Bridges, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and WARM. Accepted to Morgan State, Towson, and UMBC, Dajah plans to study Biology and become a Medical Doctor and Board-Certified Medical Examiner. She enjoys family, friends, puzzles, LEGO building, and exploring new restaurants.

MARIE CABLE

North Caroline State University

Major: Nuclear Engineering

Awarded $1000

Marie Cable is a freshman Nuclear Engineering major at North Carolina State University. She is a member of Women in Nuclear (WIN) and the American Nuclear Society, while also competing on the NC State Women’s Club Soccer Team.

Marie is part of the University Honors Program and earned Dean’s List recognition her first semester. She plans to pursue her NRO licenses and hopes to design small-scale nuclear reactors to provide sustainable energy and clean water to developing nations.

LAUREN McNAIR

Howard University

Major: Biology/Chemistry/

Health Education

Awarded $1000

Lauren McNair is a junior Biology major at Howard University, minoring in Chemistry and Health Education with a concentration in Community Health. As an aspiring physician, she is passionate about addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities.

Lauren serves as a two-term President of the American Red Cross Howard Chapter, a Red Cross Heart of Service Scholarship recipient, and an HBCU Red Cross Ambassador. She has also completed 1,000+ hours of community service and is the Founder of The Tots To Teens Expo, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting families across the DMV.

With plans to attend medical school and pursue plastic surgery through a holistic lens, Lauren is committed to expanding access to health education and one day launching a mobile health unit to serve uninsured communities

JAXSYN CONWAY

P.G. Community College

Major: Business Administration

Awarded $1000

KENDALL WATHEN

Salisbury University

Major: Finance

Awarded $1000

Kendall Wathen is a graduating senior at Leonardtown High School who has made her mark as both a leader and a champion. As Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook, she led a dedicated team of students to create a publication that truly reflects the spirit of her school community.

A standout student-athlete, Kendall is a two-time 4A Maryland State Champion in softball and a two-time conference champion and captain in volleyball. Through sports, she has developed discipline, resilience, and strong leadership skills.

Kendall plans to major in Finance at Salisbury University, where she hopes to promote financial literacy and help others build secure futures. She is excited to continue her athletic career with the Salisbury Sea Gulls softball team and keep playing the game she loves.