Laurence M. Meltzer Scholarship

Laurence M. Meltzer Scholarship

Funder: Devon C. Rubenstein Foundation (DCRF)

Amount: $12,000 annual award

Recurrence: Annual

Geographic Scope: Montgomery County, Maryland public high schools

Purpose

This scholarship honors Laurence M. Meltzer, who died by suicide in 2008. The scholarship was created by the Meltzer Family (Alan, Amy, Jennifer, Edward, Elizabeth, Max, Tai, Mark & Kerry) in partnership with DCRF to recognize outstanding student advocates for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Eligibility

• Montgomery County public high school seniors
• Active participants in their school's Our Minds Matter ("OMM") program
• Demonstrated outstanding efforts in promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention
• Must be a fierce advocate for acceptance, awareness, and education of mental wellness

Selection Criteria

Recipients are chosen for:
• Extensive efforts as advocates for mental wellness
• Passion in helping others
• Creation of supportive environments and safe spaces within school communities
• Initiative in inspiring compassion and generating open discussions about mental health struggles
• Dedication to helping students access crisis resources and support
• Creativity and dedication in helping students manage stress in healthy ways
• Commitment to improving mental health and preventing suicide among peers

Past Recipients

• Nichele Washington (John F. Kennedy High School)
• Abigail Antonishek (Poolesville High School)
• Chase Pantezzi (Quince Orchard High School)
• Alanna Yang (Richard Montgomery High School)

Organization Information

Devon C. Rubenstein Foundation, Inc.
• Address: 7 Driscoll Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
• Tax Status: IRS Code Section 509(a) public charity, 501(c)(3) exempt organization
• EIN: 83-2564580
• Website: dcrfinc.org

Mission Focus

DCRF's mission centers on "Our Minds Matter" — promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention in Montgomery County, Maryland.