Thanks to the generosity of the Meltzer Family:

Alan, Amy, Jennifer, Edward, Elizabeth, Max, Tai, Mark & Kerry,

DCRF awards an annual $12,000 Educational Scholarship

- The Laurence M. Meltzer Scholarship -

in memory of their brother/uncle who died by suicide in 2008,

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DCRF is pleased to announce Chase Pantezzi as the 2023 recipient of The Laurence M. Meltzer Scholarship.  The Meltzer Scholarship was created to recognize a Montgomery County public high school senior who actively participated in their school’s Our Minds Matter (“OMM”) program and demonstrated outstanding efforts in promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

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Chase's essay was chosen over many worthy candidates for his extensive efforts in being a fierce advocate for acceptance, awareness and education of mental wellness.  Chase's passion in wanting to help others led him to create a supportive environment and safe space within his community so students could access and utilize the many resources available when they are in crisis and need support.  

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As a Quince Orchard High School OMM club leader, Chase built connections among students and effected positive change at his school. Chase took the initiative to grow Cougar Minds Matter by introducing meeting topics that were relevant to students and encouraged open dialogue and courageous conversations. His efforts inspired students to demonstrate compassion through simple every day actions. Chase's participation in the Cougar Minds Matter club for four years (3 of which he served as President), his appearance as a guest on Good Day Washington, his presence showcasing QO’s OMM club at Not So Silent Night and Our Bright Night events, his completion of the Be There Certificate, and as a member of the OMM Teen Advisory Committee all demonstrate his commitment to mental wellness and his desire to advocate for those struggling. 

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Thanks to Chase, students were made aware of the tools needed to live their lives with hope and strength.  Chase saw the value in helping students learn how to improve their mental health and prevent suicide.  It is because of his dedication, passion and and commitment to being a fierce mental health advocate that Chase Pantezzi was chosen as the 2023 winner of the Laurence M. Meltzer Scholarship.

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Chase will be pursuing a clinical psychology major at Tufts University in the Fall of 2023.

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Congratulations Chase!

 

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