They are among the brightest and best, they work hard and have overcome tremendous obstacles. They are this year’s recipients of the Jandon Scholarship Awards – 15 high school seniors from public schools across the county.

The students received scholarships worth $10,000 over four years of college from the Jandon Foundation during a ceremony held today at the County Office Building in White Plains.

County Executive Andy Spano and Donald Cecil of Harrison, who started the Foundation along with his wife Jane in 1999, presented the scholarships.

The scholarships are given to students based on academic performance, community achievements and financial need. All of the recipients have strong academic backgrounds, and many are active in their church and community and participate in after school activities. In some cases, they have had to work to assist their families with living expenses.

Since 1999, the Jandon Foundation has awarded 141 college scholarships to help promising young students from low-income families to attend college. By the end of this school year, 66 students will have graduated from college with their assistance. Cecil’s, who hold functions to bring the scholars together and offer advice and moral support, have donated more than $1 million to the program since its inception.

“These outstanding students most likely would not have had the resources to attend college if it was not for the Jandon Foundation,” Spano said. “Thanks to the Cecil family, these students are able to pursue their education and achieve their goals. It is truly extraordinary that in these tough economic times, the Cecil’s continue to support this program at the same level they have for the past 10 years.’’

Don Cecil said that when he and his wife started the program the goal was to help level the playing field for low-income students with academic promise While the program has achieved this goal, Jandon Scholars has also become a like an extended family.

“Every year, I am amazed at the fortitude of these young people,’’ said Don Cecil. “Against tremendous odds, they stand out as stars in their pursuit of an education.”

To be eligible for the Jandon Scholarship program, a student must attend a public high school in Westchester and be a member of a family with substantial financial need. A selection committee chooses scholars based on junior-and senior-year grades, Scholastic Aptitude Test scores and good character. Students submitted essays as well as school transcripts, letters of recommendation and other documentation. To encourage students to complete their education, the program offers an increase in the amount of the scholarship for each year they remain in school. Freshmen receive $1,000, sophomores, $2,000, juniors $3,000; and seniors, $4,000.

The following is a list of this year’s scholars:

• Jo Anna Anderson, Mount Vernon High School – Jo Anna is a member of the Alpha Knight Gamma Step team, the Bible Club, Culture Club, Key Club and the Superintendent’s Advisory Council Club. She received the Outstanding Leadership Award, was the Junior Class Secretary and is a member of the Language Honor Society.
  
• Mark Araujo, Sleepy Hollow High School – Mark, whose family emigrated to the U.S. from Ecuador, plays soccer and track and field. He is a member of the Young Men’s Christian Association, the FIRST Lego League, the Hispanic Society and he volunteers at the Phelps Memorial Hospital Center. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Math and Science Society and has won a United States Army Engineering Award and won 2nd Place in Biochemistry and Technology Enrichment Award.
  
• Torian Brackett, Mount Vernon High School – Torian plays tennis and would like to study the Japanese. He is a member of the Explorer’s Club, Key Club and Model United Nations Club and even finds time to volunteer at a local soup kitchen, the Mount Vernon Grand Prix and the Mount Vernon Education Foundation. He won the United Nations Millennium Goals Essay Award, the Harvard-Radcliffe Club of Westchester Award and is listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students.
  
• Jeanie Chen, White Plains High School – Jeanie is a strong language arts student who has been recognized for her outstanding achievements in French, Latin and Spanish. She is a member of the Chinese Exchange Club, the Model United Nations Club, the Yearbook Committee and the Students for a Democratic Society Club. She is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and was a Westchester Scholar.
  
• Pavle N. Fric, Woodlands High School – Pavle, whose mother emigrated to the U.S. from Croatia, speaks fluent Yugoslavian. He plays basketball and tennis and is a member of the Italian Club, the Key Club, and the Exploratory Business & Career Club.
  
• Veronica Hord, Yonkers High School – Veronica is a member of the Academic Bowl team and the Environmental Awareness Committee and is Vice President of the Chemistry Club. She volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, the Breast Cancer Walk and pitches in to remove trash from Van Cortland Park. She was a Westchester Scholar and is a member of the Honor Society.
  
• Cinnamon Lewis, Mount Vernon High School – Cinnamon is Senior Class President and is a member of the Model United Nations Club, the National Honor Society and the Language Honor Society. She also volunteers at several community agencies.
  
• Carolina Montenegro, White Plains High School – Carolina plans to pursue a degree in Psychology. She has volunteered for the Reach for Success program, the Domestic Violence Mural, the S.A.I.L program and the A.C.E Tutoring program. She is a member of the National Honor Society and won the Key Leaders Recognition Award and the Reach for Success Recognition Award.
  
• Adrian Reyes, Gorton High School, Yonkers – Adrian wants to become a Physician’s Assistant. He is a member of the Chess, Bowling and Guitar Clubs and volunteers for the Community Wellness Center. He is a member of the National Honor Society and won the Meritorious Student Award.
  
• Glenesia Roberts, Peekskill High School – Glenesia is on the Track and Field Team and won an award in Class B and Shot Put. She is a member of the Black Culture Club, the Drama Club, the Pathfinders’ Club and the Youth Council. She volunteers at the John Peak Homeless Shelter, the L.I.F.T. Program and for March of Dime’s Walk. Glenesia is the recipient of the Citizenship Award, the Shining Star Award and theYale Westchester-Alumni Book Award.
  
• Jonathan Rodriguez, Sleepy Hollow High School – Jonathan plays baseball, is vice-president of the Digital News Team and he volunteers at the Sleepy Hollow High School main office. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Social Studies Honor Society and the Math & Science Honor Society.
  
• Shannon Scott, Mount Vernon High School – Shannon is a cheerleader and is a member of the Model United Nations, Future Business Leaders of America, and Chess Clubs. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has won the Congressional Student Leadership Award, the Scholar Athlete Award and the “Top 25” in her sport award.
  
• John Tibbs, Tuckahoe High School – John plays basketball and tennis, and is a writer for the school newspaper and a member of the Interact Club. He has a passion for tap and jazz dance and has choreographed many numbers for local groups. He has volunteered for the local food drive, the Gift of Life Fundraiser and the annual Toys for Tots Fundraiser. He is a member of the National Honor Society and received Academic Excellence and Physical Education Awards. John is a nominee for the National Board of High School Students.
  
• Drewnesha Thompson, Saunders High School – Drewnesha is on the Track & Field team and loves to write, skate, read and watch movies. She would like to pursue a career in the medical field. She is a member of the African American Club, Art Club and Chemistry Technology Club.
  
• Roberto Valdovinos, Port Chester High School – Roberto is a member of the French Club, the Students Against Violence Initiative and a volunteer for the Anthony Foust Mentoring Program. He is an A.P. Scholar, a member of the French Honor Society and received the American Association of Teachers of Italian Excellence Award and the Columbia University Alumni Book Award.