Scholarship

​​​​​​Dr. Theresa Stafford Scholarship

Application Deadline February 21, 2025

Dr. Theresa D. Stafford, a beloved community leader and dedicated children’s advocate, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service and love for youth.

A graduate of Cambridge High School, Theresa earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a master’s degree in education from Salisbury University, and a doctorate in Educational Innovation and Educational Leadership from Wilmington University in 2004.

Theresa was passionate about uplifting children, serving as Executive Director of New Beginnings Youth and Family Services and a member of the Dorchester County Board of Education. She advocated for special education and fostered over 18 children, also serving on the Maryland Citizens Review Board for Children for a decade. Her tireless work to improve the lives of young people earned her widespread respect.

A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Theresa was inducted in 1973 and became a charter member of the Iota Chi Zeta Chapter. She was honored with the Zeta Crystal Dove for 50 years of service and held various leadership roles in the chapter.

Theresa was also a lifelong member of Christ United Methodist Church, where she loved singing gospel hymns and supported several local churches throughout her life.

Her unwavering faith, devotion to family, and commitment to her community will continue to inspire all who knew her.​

Triumphant Soror Stafford was a charter member and former president of the Iota Chi Zeta Chapter 

Sarah Hicks Jolley Scholarship

Application Deadline: February 21, 2025

Soror Sarah Hicks Jolley was an educator in Dorchester County, Maryland for forty-six years. She was born on May 10, 1898, to John J. and Matilda Grant Hick in Atlantic City, NJ. She began her formal education in the public schools of Atlantic City and received her teacher training at the College of New Jersey State, then known as the New Jersey Normal School. She received her bachelor's degree in Education from Morgan State College (now known as Morgan State University) in Baltimore, Md. She also studied at the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, University of Delaware, and the University of Maryland. 

Soror Sarah Hicks Jolley became a member of the Iota Chi Zeta Chapter on September 12, 1984. Choosing to join Zeta later in life was just one of the many ways Soror Jolley maintained a full, active, and productive life after retirement. She said that she was most attracted to the Sorority by their goal of developing and supporting Finer Womanhood. ​

From our inception, Zeta women have embraced scholarship by encouraging the highest standards in the achievement of academic excellence of our members. The women of the Iota Chi Zeta Chapter offer scholarships annually to deserving females. Over the past 12 years, we have awarded more than $15,000 to students from the Eastern Shore of Maryland. 

Our scholarships include:

• Sarah Hicks Jolley Scholarship- established in 2012 this scholarship awards book scholarships to three graduating high school students. 
• Mary McEachin Thompson Scholarship- established in 2021, this scholarship is awarded to a female over the age of 25 years who wish to return to college after a break. 
• Dr. Theresa Molock Stafford- established in 2024, this scholarship is awarded to a female who wishes to pursue a graduate level degree. 

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Mary McEachin Thompson Scholarship

Application Deadline February 21, 2025

Soror Mary McEachin Thompson is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina. She joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated by way of the Omega Beta Chapter at Fayetteville State University in 1960. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at FSU and a Master of Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. She moved to Cambridge, Maryland in 1962 to begin her career. 

Soror Thompson was a Dorchester County Public School teacher for 34 years. She retired in 1996. Later, she worked for Delmarva Community Services as the Dorchester County Senior Information and Assistance Coordinator. The Groove City Culture Group named her as an Educator of the Year in 2021.

Soror Thompson is a charter member and the first president of the Iota Chi Zeta Chapter. She is very involved in her church, Waugh Chapel United Methodist Church, her community, and her Sorority.​