Jameela Christian, a resident of Roanoke, Virginia and a student at Virginia Western Community College, was recently named the recipient of the Jody Smith-Swatling Memorial Jersey Surf Scholarship. Miss Christian, who recently completed her second season as a performer in the Jersey Surf Color Guard, hopes to return to the Camden County, NJ-based World Class performing arts ensemble in 2012 as it expands its tour to include the Drum Corps International Southwestern Regional Championship in San Antonio, TX next July.
   The Jody Smith-Swatling Memorial Scholarship was established in 2009 through a generous donation to Jersey Surf by the Smith family of Frankfort, NY. The purpose of the Jody Smith Swatling Memorial Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to members of the Jersey Surf Drum and Bugle Corps to help offset their cost of participation, while celebrating the life and honoring the memory of a very special and loving person and gifted educator in Ms. Smith-Swatling.
   In an essay written in application for the tremendous honor, Jameela explained her passion for the organization she proudly calls her "second home."
   "I have grown so much as a result of the Surf Experience. I am a better performer overall. I have met mentors and peers that hold me to a greater level of accountability, which continues to motivate me as well. Because of my experience in the Jersey Surf, I foresee drum corps as a part of my life for the rest of my life."

For additional information on the Jody Smith-Swatling Memorial scholarship, visit jerseysurf.org/support.