Candace C.W. Antwine Military Service Award

In the wake of Candace Antwine’s untimely passing in July 2021, the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County quickly looked for a way to continue her legacy of service to our nation and community, and her caring for military dependents and the needy students in our schools, by creating the Candace C.W. Antwine Military Service Award. Ms. Antwine was the first duly elected District 1 member of the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County and fought tirelessly to expand opportunities and remove barriers. The Candace C.W. Antwine Military Service Award aims to do just that.

This award will be given each May to AACPS students who have committed to enlist in the U.S. military upon graduation. This award aims to remove financial barriers to enlisting by including a monetary award that can be used to help with costs that occur over the course of basic training.

It is a common misconception that all costs are covered when enlisting to serve our country in the military. In fact, over the course of basic training, required supplies may cost hundreds of dollars. The cost for some supplies may be deducted from a new service member’s paycheck while other supplies are required as part of a packing list that are brought to basic training. This is the only award of its kind in the region, and we are honored to be able to do this in Candace’s memory.

It’s past time we elevate those students who elect to enlist to serve our country in the U.S. military after graduation. This choice should be as normal as attending a two- or four-year college or attending trade school. The commitment these students are making to serving our country is honorable, should be enabled, and must be celebrated.

Applicants for the inaugural Candace C.W. Antwine Military Service Award must intend on enlisting in the Air Force and Army after graduation. A review panel will evaluate all applicants, interview finalists and submit recommendations for awards to the board this month. All applicants will be celebrated during an awards reception in May.

If you would like to help us fund the Candace C.W. Antwine Military Service Award to benefit our students this year and in future years, donations of any amount can be made by visiting www.antwine.givesmart.com or by texting “Antwine” to 76278.

As always, I can be reached at dschallheim@aacps.org or by phone at 443-534-2660.