PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) honored three local high school graduates with the 2025 Employee Recognition Committee (ERC) Scholarship Program awards, recognizing their academic achievements and ties to county government. The recipients, either eligible county employees or their dependents, received a combined $3,000 in scholarships funded by vending machine profits on county property.
In the Dependent of a County Employee category, Alexa Yingling, a graduate of St. Mary’s Ryken High School, earned first place and a $1,500 scholarship. She is the daughter of Julie Yingling, an employee in the Department of Communications and Media Relations. Ivan Sypa, a Patuxent High School graduate, took second place with a $750 award. He is the son of John Sypa, who works in the Department of Public Works, Fleet Maintenance Division.
In the County Employee category, Lindsay Post, a Huntingtown High School graduate, received a $750 scholarship. Post serves as a lifeguard I with the Department of Parks & Recreation, balancing her role with her academic pursuits.
The ERC Scholarship Program, established in 1996, supports the educational goals of Calvert County employees and their families. Since its inception, the program has awarded scholarships annually, drawing funds exclusively from vending machine revenue on county government property. This self-sustaining initiative reflects the county’s commitment to fostering education and recognizing community contributions.
The BOCC presented the awards during a ceremony, congratulating the recipients for their dedication and wishing them success in their future endeavors. The scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens for post-secondary education, whether at colleges, universities, or vocational schools.
Yingling, a standout at St. Mary’s Ryken, plans to pursue higher education, building on her academic record and community involvement. Sypa, from Patuxent High School, demonstrated strong academic performance and intends to further his studies, supported by his family’s public service legacy. Post, an active county employee, exemplifies the program’s goal of rewarding those who serve the community while advancing their education.
The ERC Scholarship Program is a competitive process, with applicants evaluated based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and their connection to county employment. The initiative underscores the BOCC’s priority of investing in local talent and supporting the families of its workforce.
The vending machine fund, a unique funding mechanism, has generated thousands of dollars for scholarships over nearly three decades, ensuring no taxpayer dollars are used. In 2024, the program distributed $3,000 to three recipients, consistent with this year’s awards.
The BOCC expressed pride in the recipients’ accomplishments, noting their potential to contribute to the community in the future. The scholarship program remains a cornerstone of the county’s efforts to promote education and employee engagement, fostering a culture of recognition and opportunity.
Residents can learn more about the ERC Scholarship Program and other county initiatives on the Calvert County Government website.
