Each year, the Potomac Valley Youth Association awards three Brunswick High School Seniors with $1,000 Scholarships toward their college education.
In 2016, PVYA officially changed the name of the main BHS scholarships to honor the memory of Lawrence Gray Jr., a long-time resident of Brunswick and Janitor at BHS. The same year, PVYA launched a third scholarship to recognize a student who went above and beyond as a volunteer for association events and programs.
This year’s winners of the Lawrence Gray Jr. Memorial Scholarships are Jonathan Henry and Thomas Cicmanec. The winner of the Volunteerism Scholarship is Gabby Bowie. 
Gabby Bowie is currently attending the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Pre-Med Program, with a focus on OBGYN studies. Gabby spent countless hours volunteering for PVYA Middle School Basketball, BHS Basketball and community events. She enjoys music (with her current favorite artist being Brent Faiyaz) and has many fond memories of small town life hanging out with her friends at the park near the library.
“I’ve had to push through obstacles in my life,” said Bowie. “My friends and family helped me grow and accomplish my goals and to never give up on my dreams.” “PVYA & the Brunswick community helped me learn to be outgoing and courageous with life,” she continued. “It’s important to have a voice and to express yourself.”
Jonathan Henry is currently studying at FCC with plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University in 2021, where he will major in Fire, Arson & Explosions Investigation with a minor in Fire, Engineering & Safety Technology.
Jonathan spent the summer of 2020 volunteering at Lovettsville Fire & Rescue and the Jefferson Fire Company as a Volunteer Fire Fighter. He also works as a Package Handler at UPS.In addition to playing varsity soccer at BHS, Jonathan invested hundreds of hours officiating PVYA Soccer, Futsal and Basketball games, helping younger players learn and grow.
Jonathan has this advice for younger kids coming up through PVYA “Work hard, put in the effort, work on your foot work, take practice like real game play and have fun. Also don't let sports limit you from being involved in other activities.”
Thomas Cicmanec is currently studying at FCC with plans to attend Kansas State University in 2021, perusing a degree in Education.
Thomas participated in varsity soccer, basketball and tennis at Brunswick High. Thomas served Holy Family Catholic through church retreats, providing meals at soup kitchens and making visits to elder care homes. Additionally Thomas refereed youth soccer and basketball games for PVYA.
Thomas expressed gratitude to PVYA in remembrance of Mr. Gray, he shared, “Lawrence Gray and the PVYA community taught me to serve others before yourself”
The winners were selected by an independent & anonymous panel of application judges (80%) combined with a PVYA evaluation committee (20%).
The Potomac Valley Youth Association congratulates our 2020 Scholarship winners and wish them the best of everything in their higher-learning experience!