Southern Maryland Law Scholarship

Spotlighting acts of fairness in our community with a $500 scholarship!

We posted our winning entry below. Congratulations Mariah Brooks!

Fairness is the basic goal of our legal system. The entire system of courts, trials, lawyers, elected representatives and laws is designed to get to that one single (and sometimes elusive) concept of fairness. Even as little children, we know when something is not fair. It is a concept each and every one of us is born with. Our legal system is designed to allow adults to fight for fairness without resorting to threats or violence. It is not a perfect system to be sure. But fairness through a peaceful process is the goal.

Our justice system requires all of us to work hard in our own lives to ensure we maintain a system that will (most of the time) result in a fair outcome. As lawyers in Waldorf, we work tirelessly to fight for fairness for our clients in Waldorf, White Plains, and across southern Maryland. We know that many of our youth also work hard to promote fairness in our community and in our schools. We think it would be fun to find out more straight from our own Charles County students.

Therefore, we are offering a $500 scholarship towards books and supplies at any accredited college in the USA to the student who best answers this question – how have you taken concrete action in your high school, or in your community, to promote fairness?

Here are the terms and conditions (You know we have to have terms and conditions. We are lawyers after all!)

• Submit a short written essay of 250 words max describing how you have taken concrete action in your high school, or in your community, to promote fairness.
• Email to Scholarship@SouthernMarylandLaw.com
• Entries must include your full name, email address, name of high school you graduated from, and name of the college you are heading to this fall.
• There will be one winner. We will pay $500 directly to your college to be applied to books and supplies for you.
• The winner will be selected by the staff here at Southern Maryland Law – Andrews, Bongar, Gormley & Clagett.
• Deadline for entry is midnight on August 14, 2025.
• This contest is open to any graduated senior from any Charles County Maryland High School who is enrolled in any college for fall semester 2025.
• We will post some of the best entries right here on our website.

Thank you! If you have any questions, please call our offices and ask to speak to Tanasha. Or just email us at the address for submissions.

Winning Entry by Mariah Brooks of Waldorf, Maryland, who is attending Salisbury University this fall.

In high school, I learned that fairness is more than treating people the same and it’s about making sure that everyone receives the same amount of support they need to succeed. After returning from the pandemic in 2021, I saw the major changes in classmates and in myself. I was unsure how to focus, critically think, communicate with teachers, and keep up with assignments. Over time, I realized that we are all facing some sort of challenge, whether that is mental, physical, spiritual, or emotional. That is why it is essential to create an environment where each individual feels supported, understood, and is given the tools they need to overcome their own battles.

One way I took action was by helping classmates and also future seniors who felt unprepared for a topic. I would connect with them through online study groups, share some of my experiences, or provide them with encouragement. I would try my best to make sure everyone was receiving some type of support. Celebrating their progress and reassuring them that their starting point did not define their potential.

Outside the classroom, I promoted fairness in leadership roles such as Student Government Association, National Honor Society, and other extracurricular activities. I made an effort for every student’s voice to be heard in decision-making. I would observe classrooms, communicate with teachers and students to get thorough feedback. However, I’ve learned that fairness is not always something you can fully reach because there will always be differing perspectives, but the effort to listen and respond with empathy is what truly makes a difference.

Promoting fairness is about sharing resources, uplifting others, and leading by example so everyone has a chance to succeed, regardless of their background or challenges. This commitment to fairness is a reflection of how I will continue to do so throughout my career and community.

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