I throw out an easy challenge.
It sounds so simple, but it’s kinda complex.
It’s just, “Be good. Do good.”
— Principal Dr. Michael J. Doran. Wootton High School 2015 graduation
Congratulations to our 2025 Dr. Doran Scholarship awardees
Mikaela Ngo
In May 2025 Mikaela Ngo was named a Dr. Doran Scholar. Mikaela (pictured with her family) was selected for her extensive volunteer efforts at a local food bank as well as with injured veterans at Walter Reed Hospital. Having helped a family member with health issues, Mikaela is now enrolled in a pre-physician assistant program at the University of Iowa.
Ryan Gerstenzang
Ryan Gerstenzang was given an Honorable Mention for his thoughtful essay on how small gestures can have a big impact. Ryan served as Wootton's weatherman during morning announcements. He will pursue a career in Journalism at Penn State University.
2026 essay contest plans
As the Dr. Doran Scholarship enters its second decade with the start of the 25/26 school year, the Board seeks to encourage more participation by Wootton High School seniors.
Seniors will be asked to create an original video no longer than five minutes that addresses a prompt the board will share in late August. The board will then select one Senior to receive a $15,000 scholarship.
The announcement of the newest Dr. Doran Scholar will be made in early December.
Our Mission
The Dr. Michael J. Doran Scholarship, Inc. was established by his family in April 2016 for the benefit of Thomas S. Wootton High School students attending college upon graduation.
Scholarships provide financial assistance to graduates of Wootton in Rockville, Maryland whose parents were not able to go college, as well as students with particularly compelling circumstances.
Since May 2016, with input from school administrators and the PTSA, the Doran family have awarded scholarships to select students from Wootton’s graduating class who embody the ideals of Dr. Doran. Click here to learn more.