Autism Delaware has named five winners of the 2015 Autism Delaware Daniel and Lois Gray Memorial Scholarship, which is given annually to eligible University of Delaware students.

The recipients are Madison Chase, Brianna Ciancaglini, Mary Beth Elberfeld, Tess Hanley and Valerie Hill.

To receive the $1,000 scholarship, a student must have a special interest in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); major in special education, psychology, linguistics, or speech pathology; maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; and intend to work in Delaware after graduation.

All applications are reviewed by a committee of Autism Delaware board members and staff.

Chase is majoring in cognitive science with a concentration in speech-language pathology and minoring in disabilities studies and expects to earn her bachelor’s degree in May 2016.

Ciancaglini is majoring in psychology and minoring in exercise science and disabilities studies while maintaining active membership in the University’s Occupational Therapy Club and volunteering and fundraising for Autism Speaks.

Elberfeld is working toward a master of education degree in exceptional children and youth with certificates in autism and severe disabilities while maintaining active membership in Best Buddies.

Hanley took a summer job as a paraprofessional at the Brennen School after transferring from James Madison University and now wants to focus her career on supporting children with ASD. Hanley is working toward a degree in cognitive science with a major in speech-language pathology.

Hill is majoring in elementary education-special education and minoring in disabilities studies. Hill’s goal is to earn a master’s degree in autism and severe disabilities through UD’s 4+1 master’s program.

For more information about Autism Delaware’s scholarship program, visit the website and see the UDaily article here.