Fund awards $8,000 college scholarship to Central High School senior
Philadelphia, PA – On June 2, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) President and CEO Daniel J. Hilferty and Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia Dr. William R. Hite, Jr. were presented the R.W. Sorrell Scholarship Fund’s (the Fund) first-ever Leadership Awards. At the event, the Fund also awarded Central High School senior Brandon Mole a four-year $8,000 scholarship toward his college education.
“It is an honor to be recognized alongside bright, young students like Brandon and a remarkable leader like Dr. Hite, who is helping to transform Philadelphia’s education system and ensure that our youth receive a quality education,” said Hilferty.
At the reception, which was held at Independence’s headquarters in Philadelphia and attended by more than 100 guests, the Fund also awarded second- and third-year scholarship installments to 2014 and 2013 R.W. Sorrell Scholarship Fund awardees and book scholarships to two new recipients:
- Jazmin Jervis, 2013 scholarship
- Brentney Johnson, book scholarship
- Raven Maddox, 2014 scholarship
- Chase Roberts, 2013 scholarship
- Janee Roberts, 2014 scholarship
- Alexandria Scott, book scholarship
“I am inspired by the incredible achievements of Brandon and our other scholarship recipients who excel, not only in the classroom, but also in community leadership activities,” said Robert W. Sorrell, founder of the Scholarship Fund. “These young people are our leaders of tomorrow, and our goal today was to inspire them to live up to impressive role models like Dan Hilferty and Bill Hite.”
During the ceremony, Hilferty announced that Independence is offering a summer internship to Mole, and will also offer summer internships to the two book scholarship recipients.
Hilferty added: “Independence Blue Cross is committed to cultivating tomorrow’s leaders through our annual summer internship program, which provides students an opportunity to learn practical career skills while interacting with associates and leaders throughout the company.”
Established in 2006, the R.W. Sorrell Scholarship Fund was created to promote and support higher education and achievement for minority students and disadvantaged youth, who not only excel in the classroom, but also in community leadership activities. Including this year’s winner, the Fund has committed approximately $40,000 in academic scholarships since making its first award in 2012.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve more than 9.5 million people in 24 states and the District of Columbia, including 2.5 million in the region. For nearly 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Media contact
Kathleen Conlon
Independence Blue Cross
215-241-4576 (office)
Kathleen.Conlon@ibx.com