The Disabled American Veterans awarded FEMA summer intern Christiana Hess (Administrative Services, Facility/Support) with a $20,000 scholarship.  Hess volunteered more than 300 hours at the Outpatient Pharmacy and Ambulatory Care at the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, W.Va.  Hess earned a 3.9 GPA from Martinsburg High School, and was involved in several community service activities.  She was a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Ecology Club for two years, marching band member and captain of the front ensemble.  As a member of the Key Club, Hess read to children in the local elementary school and helped throw a Super Bowl party for the Rescue Mission.   Hess also participated in 4-H for seven years, doing projects for the youth fair.  

Hess was absolutely shocked to have received the first place scholarship award worth $20,000.  She also won an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas with her mother.

Prior to her at FEMA internship, Hess had little knowledge of FEMA its mission.  She was looking for a job to help pay for books and extra expenses and decided to check USAJobs for paid internships close to home.  FEMA was the first agency she applied to and was hired after interviewing.  Hess says she loves working with a great group of people every day.   She would love to come back next summer if they rehire her. 

Hess plans to attend Shepherd University this fall, majoring in chemistry with a concentration in biopharmaceutical sciences.  She plans to move on to pharmacy school at either Ohio State, North Carolina State University or West Virginia University. 

Congratulations Christiana!

Donald L. Samuels, national commander of the Disabled American Veterans, presents Christiana Hess with a check for the first-place scholarship of $20,000 (funded by Ford Motor Company).