Adele Shepin Is the 2022 Recipient of the Max McElhaney Memorial Education Scholarship!

Rocky McElhaney Law Firm is proud to announce that Adele Shepin is this year’s recipient of the Max McElhaney Memorial Education Scholarship! This New Jersey native has a very bright future ahead of her, and we are thrilled that we can be a part of helping her achieve her dreams and goals.

“Adele is such an extraordinary young woman,” said Rocky McElhaney. “She had such a unique take on the ‘Gold Standard of Love’ essay, so we really sat up and noticed her. She’s smart, committed, and community-oriented – she’s going to take the world by storm. We are so happy for her, and that we could be a part of her journey.”

Adele will be attending Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in the fall.

About Adele Shepin

A real Renaissance woman, Adele Shepin impressed us not only with her dedication to her education and her active participation in her local community, but with the story of her culture. A first-generation American, Adele’s family hails from Moldova. In her essay, she spoke of her grandparents “stepping off the plane with one suitcase, one hundred dollars, and one million dreams” – along with two young children – and whispering, “To our future.”

Throughout Adele’s grade school years, her parents recited a saying by Art Williams, that has been drilled into her mind to this day: “I’m not telling you it is going to be easy; I’m telling you it will be worth it.” Adele applies this saying to her everyday life. She believes that working hard will pay off and help her succeed in her career.

Adele is majoring in Chemistry Education. Adele says, “chemistry can have a negative stigma to many people and they feel it is such a difficult subject.  I want to inspire people to learn that chemistry is all around us. All things can be found in chemistry and it’s such an exciting subject to learn about.” Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the properties, composition, and structure of elements and compounds, how they can change, and the energy that is released or absorbed when they change. Adele hopes to pursue a career as a professor, whether that be in a high school, university, or community college setting, she loves to speak in front of a large audience.

When Adele is not hard at work with her studies, she enjoys spending time with her family. Her heritage is very important to her. Adele learned to speak Russian as a young child, and she continues to speak this language when she is gathering with her family. It’s important for her to carry on the traditions of her ancestors. One of her most favorite pastimes is cooking traditional Russian meals with her mother and grandmother. Adele is a very bright individual – full of life and ready for each adventure that comes her way.

All of us at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, are excited to see that the future holds for Adele. We know that she will do amazing things and we can’t wait to see where she goes next.

About the Max McElhaney Memorial Educational Scholarship

Every year, Rocky McElhaney Law Firm awards the Max McElhaney Memorial Educational Scholarship – a $2,500 award – to an undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited four-year university or college. Eligible applicants must submit:

  • A story of the gold standard of love in the student’s family
  • A statement of financial need
  • A written statement of no more than 100 words explaining why the applicant should be chosen above all other applicants. Tell us what sets you apart and why you are special. Do not tell us boring, cookie-cutter stuff like you are committed to your studies or that you are dedicated to hard work. Wow us. Don’t bore us.
  • One recommendation from a faculty member or university/college advisor
  • Proof of enrollment in a 4-year private college or university for the upcoming fall semester
  • Student status and/or declaration of major in History or Education.
  • One picture. It can be a solo shot, illustrate the student doing what he or she loves, or spending time with those they love.

Congratulations, Adele, on your selection this year! We know you’re going to make this world a better place.

If you’d like to apply for the 2023 Max McElhaney Memorial Educational Scholarship or learn more about our previous winners, click here.