Sarasota-based DutchCrafters, the largest online retailer of Amish Furniture, has announced Urwa Hameed, Maly Sears and Tan Vu as the winners of its 2018 Heritage Scholarship. Selection criteria included grade point average, a statement of financial need and a 750-word essay on how their heritage has shaped them and their aspirations. Urwa Hameed, Vernon, CT, plans to attend Boston College to pursue a dual degree in political science and international relations on an advanced pre-law track. Inspired by her deceased father who was a lawyer, she was compelled during Ramadan activities in her community several years ago to invest in her neighborhood. Maly Sears, Adrian, MO, has chosen to major in landscape architecture thanks to the support of her adoptive parents, and a 2015 trip to her birth country, Vietnam, where a large, tree-filled park in the busy business district of Saigon captured her attention. Tan Vu, Westminster, CA, credits his mother for his determination, drive and career path. Immigrating to the United States when Vu was two years old, his family experienced many hardships, but he watched as his mother persisted. The three annual recipients of the Heritage Scholarship receive $500 each to assist with the costs of their undergraduate tuition. In its sixth year, $10,500 has been awarded to date.

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