The McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C. are excited to announce that 23 scholarships have been awarded to students in the following counties: Berkeley, Shenandoah, Washington, Frederick, Grant, Fauquier, Page and Jefferson. Over 500 applications were received and reviewed by a panel of judges that included Greater Washington, D.C. McDonald’s owners and operators.

McDonald’s owners and operators will award the 23 honorees scholarships in amounts of $5,000 or $1,500, which will go directly to the college or university the student plans to attend in the fall of 2013. This year, McDonald’s is giving away 60 scholarships throughout the Greater Washington, D.C., area, totaling $105,000. The 23 regional high school seniors received nearly $40,000 in college scholarships.

The 2013 McDonald’s Educates Scholarship recipients included Rachel Ransom of Shepherdstown, among others.

The scholarship winners were recognized during an award reception on May 6, at the Winchester County Club in Winchester, Va. During the reception, students had the opportunity to mingle with McDonald’s franchisees, local community dignitaries and special guests and will be presented with an award.

Winning students demonstrated dedication to volunteerism, leadership, academic excellence and character. Requirements for applicants included a completed application, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor or community service leader, and two short essays.

This year, students were asked to nominate a current teacher, administrator or counselor at their school who had been instrumental and influential in both their academic and life successes. The above nominee is invited to attend with the scholarship winner and will be presented with a gift.

To date, the McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C. has awarded over 750,000 dollars to local students through the annual McDonald’s Educates Scholarship Program.

For more information on the McDonald’s Educates Scholarship Program and/or the 2013 Recipients please contact Jessie Flynn at jflynn@golinharris.com or 202-585-2606.