Sen. Harris, Del. Jennings Give Scholarship Aid to Family of Fallen Hero – Harford Del. McComas Calls For More Funding

Help is on the way for the family of fallen Baltimore County Police Detective Sergeant Mark F. Parry.

As Del. Susan McComas relays in the following letter, Baltimore County Sen. Andy Harris and Del. J.B. Jennings were able to use unallocated portions of their legislative scholarship funds to help Lynne Parry pay for her children’s college tuition

As the widow of a police officer killed in the line of duty, Lynne is entitled to funding through the Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship to help offset the cost of college tuition, but the Parry family has found itself in the difficult position of vying with other families of fallen officers for limited state dollars. 

Dear Dagger,

Thank you for bringing attention to the frustrating experience of Lynne Parry, whose husband, Detective Sergeant Mark F. Parry, was killed about seven years ago while carrying out his duties for the Baltimore County Police Department.

As a widow of one of Maryland’s fallen heroes, Lynne had every reason to think her son, Danny, would qualify this fall for an Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship program was established by the state just for students like Danny who lost a spouse or parent in the line of duty. By paying their college tuition is one way to show our appreciation for the dangerous work our policemen, firefighters and soldiers do. For Danny and 39 other qualified applicants to be told they are being placed on a waiting list because the state has run out of funding for this program is disgraceful.

Luckily, Senator Andrew Harris and Delegate J.B. Jennings had not yet awarded all their scholarship funds and have stepped up to the plate to offer Danny partial funding through a senatorial and delegation scholarship. Hopefully, the Maryland Higher Education Commission will find additional funds so Danny’s tuition and fees are fully covered.

Thank you for letting folks know they can make private donations to the Conroy Scholarship Fund by sending a letter and check to Mr. Edward Ommert, Director of Administrative Services, at the Maryland Higher Education Commission, Office of Financial Assistance, 839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Sincerely,

Susan K. McComas
Delegate, District 35B and Harford County Delegation Chair

Delegate Susan McComas, Delegate J.B. Jennings and Senator Andy Harris are to be commended. But what about Governor Martin O’Malley and the rest of the 188-member General Assembly?

Those who have undistributed legislative scholarships could take a cue from Senator Harris and Delegate Jennings and offer up funds to help some of the other families on the waiting list. Better yet, Governor O’Malley could find a way to put $227,040 into the Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Fund and provide the award to every deserving applicant.

School will be starting soon. The families of our fallen heroes need help now. How about it Governor?