Peirce College Scholarship Opens Door for Student's Legal Career
For Immediate Release
Philadelphia, February 13, 2008 - It was one of those rare moments of self-discovery that can have a profound impact on one's life. Sherry Keene had been selected to sit on a jury for a murder trial, a responsibility that most people would prefer to avoid.
She remembers sitting in the jury box, watching the young defendant.
"He was very scared and didn't seem to understand what was going on," Keene said.
More than his fear, she was intrigued by the legal team that defended him. In particular, she was fascinated by the paralegal.
"She just held everything together," Keene said. "She worked side-by-side with the attorney and helped to explain the legal proceedings to the defendant to keep him calm. When I saw that, I said, I can do that. I want to do that."
Keene's plans for a legal career recently took a positive turn when she won $10,000 in a scholarship competition hosted by Peirce College. The funds will help her to finance her studies in Peirce's ABA-approved paralegal studies program at the University Center of Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown.
"Sherry has the right mix of skills and determination to be an excellent paralegal," said Ed Miller, head of Peirce College's legal studies program and part of the scholarship selection committee. "She is intelligent, an excellent writer and a real problem solver. We feel she has all the tools to succeed in the Paralegal Studies Program at Peirce College."
Keene plans to pursue a special, post-baccalaureate paralegal studies program, which is designed for students who already have a bachelor's degree. Peirce also offers ABA-approved associate and bachelor's degree programs which it offers in flexible formats on-campus, at offsite locations and via Peirce Online.
Peirce launched the program at the University Center of Montgomery County Community College in January 2007. Keene, who lives in Barto, Pa. and cares for her 15 year-old son, finds the location especially convenient.
"I have to drive my son to class, so this makes it really easy for me," she said. "I can also take classes online, which let me structure my studies around my schedule."
Keene learned about the program and the scholarship competition through an article in her local paper. To apply, she had to write a compelling essay on why they should be chosen. The problem was that she only had a couple of days before the deadline.
"It was right before Thanksgiving and I had no time," Keene said. "I stayed up until 4 a.m. the night before getting it done."
Then a few days later, Keene was informed that she had made it to the next round and had to present to a review board consisting of Peirce faculty, senior administration, and members of the legal profession advisory committee for the program. Her focus impressed them right away.
"She wowed us," Miller said. "We never had any doubt that she would be a successful student."
After graduation, Keene hopes to go on to study for a law degree.
"That's a trend that we are seeing," Miller said. "Increasingly, Peirce students are using a Paralegal Degree as preparation for law school."
She plans to work for a law firm that understands the value of giving back.
"There are times that people are in need because they can't afford an attorney. I want to help them because I've been there."
Peirce College offers bachelor's and associate degree programs in Business Administration, Information Technology and Paralegal Studies. Peirce College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19101-2680 (phone: 215-662-5603). For more information about Peirce College, call 888-GO-PEIRCE, or visit www.peirce.edu
Contact: Jonathan Morein
215-977-9900x10
215-565-5377 (cell)
morein@altus-group.com