HMHS track and field grad receives $5,000

By ROBERT LINNEHAN

Alyssa D’Orazio carries a 3.7 GPA to her classes in the College of Charleston. The business administration major and standout member of the College of Charleston’s Women’s Track and Field team has distinguished herself as a scholar athlete each year at the college, been named to the Academic All-Conference Team four times, and positioned herself on the Director of Athletics Honor Roll throughout 2010.

For all of her hard work D’Orazio was named the award winner of the 2011 Family Circle Cup Scholarship, a $5,000 grant that is donated each year to a well-rounded student based on a number of criteria including academic accomplishment, community involvement, financial need, and athletic prowess, according to representatives.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be chosen for this honor, and I really appreciate the Family Circle Cup’s generosity and support, as well as the impact this will have on my education,” D’Orazio said. “I’ve worked so hard at the College of Charleston, both on and off the track, and this scholarship will really help me cover a good portion of my tuition in the fall semester.”

According to representatives from Family Circle Cup, D’Orazio maintains a 20 to 40 hour per week employment as a guest services agent at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Charleston, and is also currently committed to a semester-long, volunteer internship with the Jewish Community Center where she is helping to organize the 2011 Kids Fair Gala.

She has volunteered at numerous charitable events, participated in an instructional track program for youth in Mount Pleasant, SC, and lent her time in support of the March of Dimes. D’Orazio also helped to expand the Global Soap Project in Charleston via the Club of Hospitality and Tourism in 2010, where the group collected used soap which was sanitized, recycled, and shipped to refugee camps in Africa.

“Alyssa D’Orazio is a shining example of achievement. She is a role model for young women who want to be the very best they can, as they live a fulfilled life centered around success in academics, volunteerism, and athletics,” said Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. “We commend her for all of the hard work she has given to the College of Charleston over the past three years, and we can only hope that this grant will relieve some of the stress in her busy life.”