West Potomac Graduate Wins State Department Scholarship

From James Madison University: Alexandria native Jordan McCray, a sophomore geographic science major at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, will spend the 2018 spring semester studying in Brazil after receiving a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State.

McCray, a graduate of West Potomac High School, will study Portuguese language and culture, Brazilian history, Brazilian politics and wildlife conservation while in Brazil from January 23 to May 12. The courses will fill requirements for McCray's major, where she is concentrating on environmental conservation, sustainability and development. It also fits well with her Latin and Caribbean studies minor.

"The Gilman scholarship is such an amazing opportunity to help students who have the academic capacity to study abroad, but lack the financial resources," McCray said.

Named for the late Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, the scholarship supports American undergraduate students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs with additional funding available for the study of a critical language overseas.

James Madison University offers each student a future of significance -- not an education of mere prestige, but an extraordinary education of exceptional scholarship, inventive thinking, unparalleled attention to the world community, a university-wide enthusiasm for teaching, and a commitment to student success.

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