Library’s Smail memorial scholarship goes to Riley Roberts
Riley Roberts of Lewes was awarded the Christopher J. Smail Memorial Scholarship from the Lewes Public Library in an Aug. 9 ceremony.
Karen Smail, the mother of Christopher Smail, a 2010 graduate of Cape Henlopen High School and former scholarship recipient, presented Roberts with the award.
Roberts graduated with honors from Cape Henlopen High School in 2021 and has been a committed volunteer with the Lewes Public Library for almost two years. In that time, she volunteered over 160 hours working in the library, training volunteers and helping organize on-site events such as the teen job fair.
“Riley has been an incredibly dedicated volunteer and an outstanding member of our program,” said Emily Ellinger, teen services librarian. “She has gone above and beyond – taking on twice as many volunteer hours as required –and has shown wonderful leadership skills. We couldn’t be happier for her and are excited for what her future holds.”
Roberts will attend Temple University this fall to study genetic research and clinical genetics, with plans to pursue a career as a doctor. While at Cape High, she was a member of the National Honor Society, DECA, Cape Book Club, LEO Club, Academic Challenge and tennis team. She placed first in Delaware DECA competition all three years she participated and received a QuestBridge Quest for Excellence Award in 2021. She also interned in the biotech department at Beebe Healthcare and worked part time for Dr. Ramachandra Hosmane’s urology practice in Lewes. In her free time, she enjoys tutoring kids, crocheting and reading.
The Christopher J. Smail Memorial Scholarship is a one-time, $1,000 grant designed to encourage higher education study by helping to defray college expenses. Smail worked at the library for many years as a page, and the scholarship was renamed in his honor after his passing in November 2011.
