Pursuit of Excellence

This year marked the first of many impacts the local Atlanta chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators hopes to make on the futures of Young students.  The Board of Directors voted to institute a scholarship fund dedicated to the furthering of education for a local Metro Atlanta Student that exhibited the same goals toward excellence that the AALA chapter does.  Our search netted many fine candidates from across the Metro area, crossing many economic, racial and cultural borders to bring together some of the finer minds our community had to offer.  The committee, comprised of both members and vendors, met and reviewed the stacks of entrants sent in from High School Counselors from around the city.  Rankings were assigned to encompass need, scholastic aptitude, personality, and potential for success.  It became quite evident early on that 3 students rose to the top of the pile.  The committee in unanimous fashion invited these three to interview, and from them a very difficult choice was made and history began.

Andre Ionescu, son of immigrants from Romania, was chosen to receive the first annual Gene Henson Scholarship Award.  This award was designed to make things easier for a student by allowing them to focus more on studies than a second job or some other means of financial support.  Andre presented himself very professionally and was so well spoken that the committee was very impressed.  He was presented the award at the 2005 Business Partner Luncheon, so that members of our vendor community could see the value of their sponsorships.  Members and vendors alike applauded the choice as Andre stepped up to receive the first scholarship from Past president Michael Stephens.  Andre accepted the challenge to represent the chapter well as he began his studies at the University of Georgia.  It was somewhat ironic that this student was an avid debater, with strong propensities toward law.  He has intended that his major will eventually focus on a legal career.  One day he may even be an employer of a future AALA member.

Our efforts proved to be fruitful as Andre submitted his first semester grades for just shy of a 4.0 G.P.A. and has proven himself to be a proud and deserving delegate of the AALA.

Respectfully submitted,

Craig L. Cothern
Search Committee Member

Editor: Brian Gedeon (BHGedeon@duanemorris.com) (This publication is the property of the Atlanta Association of Legal Administrators. Reproduction or reprint without prior permission is strictly prohibited. Click here to request reprint permission.)

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