IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
From Prince George’s County to Harvard and Beyond! Prince George’s County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. Celebrates Three Outstanding 2026 Scholarship Recipients
Three inspiring young women are making headlines as the Prince George’s County Drug Policy Coalition celebrates academic excellence, leadership, and more than $215,000 invested in student scholarships since 2012.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD (Hey Papi Promotions Media) — October 17, 2026 — Big dreams, bright futures, and incredible opportunities! Three remarkable young women from the Prince George’s County, Maryland, community are proving that determination, education, and a commitment to making a difference can open doors to extraordinary possibilities.
And their achievements deserve some serious applause!
The Prince George’s County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. (PGCDPC, Inc.) is proudly celebrating Sydney Featherstone, Yessica Giron, and Madison Hughes, the recipients of its prestigious 2026 Empowering Future Leaders Scholarship Awards.
These rising stars aren't simply pursuing college degrees. They're preparing to become tomorrow's leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and changemakers.
With educational journeys connected to Harvard University, George Washington University, and Loyola University Maryland, these three scholars represent an exciting new chapter in the Coalition's mission to empower young people through education.
Meet the Three Outstanding Scholarship Recipients Making Their Communities Proud!
🎓 Sydney Featherstone — Harvard University
From Prince George's County to one of the world's most recognized academic institutions, Sydney Featherstone is preparing for an exciting educational journey at Harvard University's School of Government.
But what makes Sydney's story especially compelling isn't just where she's headed. It's her awareness of what's happening in the community around her.
In her scholarship essay, Sydney shared a thought-provoking observation about witnessing young people openly using marijuana in a residential neighborhood.
For Sydney, that experience raised important questions about the normalization of substance use, changing community attitudes, and the role young leaders can play in addressing these challenges.
Her perspective demonstrates that leadership begins with paying attention, asking questions, and having the courage to discuss difficult issues.
🎓 Yessica Giron — George Washington University
Returning to George Washington University, Yessica Giron is continuing her pursuit of academic excellence while demonstrating an impressive understanding of today's evolving public health conversations.
Yessica's scholarship essay explored marijuana legalization and its influence on communities, particularly among young people.
She recognized that legalization has encouraged broader public discussions about substance use and emphasized the importance of treating addiction and substance-related concerns as public health issues rather than solely criminal matters.
At the same time, she raised concerns about students accessing and using marijuana in school environments.
Her observations reflect the kind of balanced, thoughtful leadership that communities need: understanding different perspectives while remaining attentive to real-world consequences.
🎓 Madison Hughes — Loyola University Maryland
Future nurse in the making!
Madison Hughes, a proud 2026 graduate of St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School, is taking the next exciting step toward her professional goals by attending Loyola University Maryland to pursue nursing education.
Madison's commitment to healthcare is complemented by her awareness of the challenges facing today's communities.
In her scholarship essay, she discussed concerns surrounding the opening of marijuana dispensaries and the effects of legalization on neighborhood safety, illegal drug sales, and marijuana-related arrests.
Her thoughtful reflections demonstrate a willingness to examine complicated social issues from multiple perspectives.
As Madison prepares for a future in healthcare, her interest in community well-being makes her an especially promising young leader.
More Than $215,000 Awarded! A Legacy of Investing in Tomorrow's Leaders
Here's something worth celebrating!
Since 2012, the Prince George's County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. has awarded more than $215,000 in student scholarships, helping deserving young people pursue higher education and prepare for meaningful careers.
That's more than a financial milestone. It's an investment in dreams, opportunities, and the future of Prince George's County.
The Coalition was established to increase awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, particularly among young people.
Through its scholarship initiative, PGCDPC encourages students to look beyond the classroom and critically examine important issues affecting their schools, families, and neighborhoods.
This year's scholarship essays focused on marijuana legalization and its impact on communities, demonstrating how young people can contribute meaningful perspectives to conversations about public policy, prevention, and public health.
And that's what makes this scholarship program so special.
It isn't just about recognizing academic success. It's about encouraging students to think critically, become informed citizens, and develop the confidence to lead.
A Proud Moment for PGCDPC Leadership
Behind every successful scholarship program are dedicated individuals who believe in the potential of the next generation.
For Dr. Valencia Campbell, President of PGCDPC, Inc., recognizing these young scholars represents another meaningful milestone in the Coalition's continuing mission.
“We are so proud to assist these young people in pursuing their academic goals,” said Dr. Campbell.
Working alongside Jerome Haggins, Scholarship Chair, Dr. Campbell continues to champion opportunities that encourage academic achievement, community responsibility, and youth empowerment.
Their commitment reinforces a powerful message: When communities invest in education, they help create opportunities that can influence generations.
Three Students. Three Remarkable Journeys. One Bright Future.
Sydney Featherstone, Yessica Giron, and Madison Hughes are pursuing different academic paths, but they share something extraordinary: the determination to achieve their goals while remaining aware of the communities that helped shape them.
Their stories remind us that tomorrow's leaders are already among us.
They're sitting in classrooms, participating in important conversations, challenging themselves academically, and preparing to make meaningful contributions to society.
And thanks to organizations like PGCDPC, Inc., those ambitions are receiving the recognition and support they deserve.
Congratulations to Sydney, Yessica, and Madison!
Your academic accomplishments, determination, and willingness to engage with important community issues deserve recognition.
Prince George's County has plenty of reasons to celebrate these rising stars!
About Prince George’s County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc.
The Prince George’s County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc. (PGCDPC, Inc.) is a Maryland-based community organization committed to raising awareness about substance abuse prevention, promoting responsible decision-making, supporting youth development, and encouraging educational achievement.
Through community engagement, educational initiatives, and its Empowering Future Leaders Scholarship program, the Coalition continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people throughout Prince George's County.
Since 2012, PGCDPC, Inc. has awarded more than $215,000 in scholarships to students pursuing higher education.
Educating Today. Empowering Tomorrow. Building Safer Communities.
For More Information:
Prince George’s County Drug Policy Coalition, Inc.
Prince George’s County, Maryland
Website: https://www.pgcdpc.com
Media and Interview Inquiries: Visit the organization's official website for contact information.
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