Foundation History, Milestones, and Goals

            The Emily J.T. Perez Foundation was established in October 2007 in memory and honor of one of our most outstanding Prince Georgians, Emily J.T. Perez.  Emily was an honor graduate of Oxon Hill High School, Oxon Hill, MD and later the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.  She was killed in Iraq in September 2006 at the age of 23.  During her short life, Emily set a standard for young women that is worthy of emulation.  Excellence, faithfulness, dedication, leadership and unselfish service to others were the hallmarks of her life.  The Foundation, established by Emily's parents, seeks to preserve Emily's legacy by helping girls and young women reach great heights in their personal, academic, and professional lives.

            Our organizational long-term goals include (1) expanding the 9th grade enrichment/mentoring program to include the entire four years of high school so that the girls selected in 9th grade will remain throughout high school and receive a small college scholarship from the Foundation upon successful completion; (2) holding an annual summer camp for girls and young women (ages 9-19) who reside in the Oxon Hill community beginning the Summer of 2010 where activities will include tutoring in Math, English, Reading and a variety of age-appropriate activities that expose participants to proper social and business etiquette; and (3) expanding our annual scholarship program to include more recipients in Prince George’s County, the State of Maryland and eventually the nation.

            The first phase of the Foundation’s scholarship program began in 2008.  Scholarships awarded during that time were for female graduates of Oxon Hill High School.  The first recipient, Courtney Gee, was awarded $2000.00 in May 2008.  Courtney now attends Towson University in Maryland.  Jumoke Akinola received the second scholarship of $2000.00 in May 2009 and began her freshman year at the University of Maryland in September 2009.  The program’s second phase is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2010.  Those scholarships will be available to eligible applicants in their junior or senior year of college and/or post graduates. 

            On October 17, 2009, the Foundation saw the fruition of Emily’s Way – the Foundation’s enrichment and mentoring program.  Seventeen girls entering the ninth grade along with Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Council Members Tony Knotts and Ingrid Turner, and Dr. James Dula were there to celebrate and to launch this significant milestone. 

            The Foundation held its first commemorative Legacy and Scholarship Banquet on February 24, 2009 at the Four Points by Sheraton in New Carrollton, MD.  It was a very successful event and some of the profits were used to fund our scholarship program and help with costs associated with our enrichment/mentoring programs.  (An article about this event appears under the link entitled "Legacy Dinner")

            Members of the Foundation have met with representatives from the Offices of the County Executive of Prince George's County, MD, other senior Prince George’s County Officials and the office of Lt. Governor of Maryland to discuss our work and the future of the Emily J.T. Perez Foundation.