Four outstanding recent high school graduates have been selected for scholarships from the Charles River Regional Chamber.

This year’s recipients are Ciara Bannon (Needham High School), Jamaree Pope (Newton South High School), Jessica Camara (Watertown High School), and Ivan Chan (Wellesley High School).

Needham High graduate Ciara Bannon is a well-rounded and stellar student. Her AP U.S. History teacher notes, “ She works very hard. Our AP U.S. History class involves more homework than any other course in our school.” Outside of school, Bannon juggles multiple jobs, including working at food and animal shelters, an ice cream shop, and babysitting, while still maintaining high academic standards. Bannon will continue at James Madison University in the fall to pursue nursing, with hopes of becoming a full-time RN.

Jamaree Pope, a Newton South High School grad, is a star athlete who his school counselor describes as “an enjoyable, easygoing, thoughtful kid. We all enjoy having him around; he is respected by everyone at school and relates to everybody.” Pope balanced academics with football, basketball, and involvement in the Legacy Scholars, Black Student Union, and social justice groups. After overcoming his own academic struggles, he now mentors younger Native students in his community. Pope will attend Merrimack College, majoring in biology with hopes of becoming a research scientist.

 Watertown High School graduate Jessica Camara is a tenacious leader who founded the school’s Medical Club and is determined to excel in her academics. Her chemistry teacher says she “had the maturity and confidence to advocate for herself when she did not understand something, and I can clearly remember multiple times when she would come in during lunch or before school to ensure she completely mastered topics covered.” Camara is a member of the Women in STEM club, and she allocates her leisure time to volunteer at an elementary school. She plans to continue her education at Sacred Heart University to major in nursing, with hopes of becoming a nurse practitioner.

Ivan Chan, a Wellesley High School graduate, is a leader who stands up for what he believes in. A member of the Christian Club, Chan spoke at a school committee meeting to advocate for keeping Good Friday as a school holiday and mobilized fellow students in support. He’s equally driven in the classroom, especially in science, where his honors biology teacher says he “displayed true intellect that set him apart from his peers.” Chan will attend Boston University in the fall to study health science, with hopes of becoming an epidemiologist.

While academic performance and extracurricular activities are important, the chamber’s Scholarship Committee weighed its decision-making heavily on compelling stories that showed the scholarship would make a meaningful impact in each recipient’s life.

Perrin McCormick (Perkins School for the Blind) chaired this year’s scholarship committee. Members included Arif Bhimani (Middlesex Savings Bank), Michelle Biscotti (MassBay Community College), Adrienne Franciosi (Lasell University), Mark Loveless (The Village Bank), Lucas Machado (Curbs Enterprise, Inc.), Josephine McNeil (CAN-DO), and Kevin Ruddy (PTC).

The chamber congratulates Bannon, Pope, Camara, and Chan on their achievements and wishes them success in their next endeavors.