The Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program

At a May 1 event held at the State Capitol, State Sen. Joe Markley honored these High School students, who have been named two of Connecticut's 44 Leaders and Achievers recipients by the Comcast Foundation.

Erin Ward received a $1,000 scholarship from Comcast in recognition of her leadership skills, academic achievement and commitment to community service.

“We are very proud of what Erin has accomplished through a lot of hard work and the desire to make a positive difference in her community,” Sen. Markley said.

 “This award also recognizes Markus Pugliese for being among the brightest young minds in our state. They both deserve this, and their success is a reflection of the excellent support and guidance they have received along the way from teachers, friends and family. Both Markus and Erin are a role models, and we wish them the best of luck in the future,” said Sen. Markley.

Sen. Markley thanked the Comcast Foundation for its continued charitable support of local communities and for helping to empower young students like Orts.

The Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program aims to give young people every opportunity to be prepared for the future, to engage youth in their communities, and to demonstrate the importance of civic involvement. Since the program’s inception there have been over 17,000 scholarship winners totaling more than $17.2 million.