SCHOLAR LIFE
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM Shortly after former President C. D. Mote Jr. began his tenure at the University of Maryland in 1998, he noticed an alarming trend: Few students from Baltimore City public high schools applied to and subsequently enrolled at the state’s flagship university. Of particular concern was the fact that the overwhelming majority of the students who did came from three city high schools: Baltimore City College, Baltimore Polytechnic and Western. There was little or no representation from the other high schools in the city. 2
Mote had encountered a similar situation when serving as vice chancellor for university relations at the University of California, Berkeley. Berkeley initiated a highly successful program aimed at students from underrepresented areas. Indeed, it was a program for which he raised $22 million. In 2000, Maryland created a program based on the Berkeley model. The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program is designed to recognize and promote scholarship, leadership and community
responsibility among students from select high schools, and to make it financially possible to enroll at the University of Maryland. The program identifies and selects students who have demonstrated uncommon persistence, ingenuity and maturity by maintaining good academic performance in the face of challenging circumstances. Launched as a pilot program in Baltimore, the program expanded to select schools in Prince George’s County in 2006. A generous gift in 2012 allowed further expansion to KIPP public charter schools in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Each student has been awarded financial support for four years and will benefit from a strong, nurturing community of advisors, mentors and administrative staff while at Maryland. The program is not defined by its scholarship component, however. The distinguishing characteristic is its focus on developing character, critical thinking skills and leadership in the context of an intimate community of peers. This “community within a community” is what sustains students and challenges them to develop the skills that will benefit them and their homes. In addition to the advising network, the camaraderie provided by the peer group encourages students to persist. Students have been empowered to assume leadership roles within the group and exercise autonomy in planning social and community-building activities. They are encouraged to shape the culture of the group, with each new cohort making its unique impression on the community. The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program values a spirit of reciprocity. Scholars embrace this spirit by maintaining
strong ties to their home and school communities, regularly returning to their high schools to serve as role models for younger students. Throughout the year, they engage their peers in discussions, sharing with them their own Maryland experiences and the importance of proper academic preparation for college. The intent is for their success—attained through hard work—to be an incentive for others to persist toward high school graduation, pursue higher education and achieve in the face of adversity. Seventeen years after the program’s inception, the university’s commitment continues under the leadership of President Wallace Loh. “The Incentive Awards Program is a vital part of the University of Maryland, providing opportunities for some of the state’s most talented and dedicated students to excel academically and professionally,” he says. “Ultimately these students give back to their communities, inspiring another generation of high-achieving leaders. The combination of service and achievement is what makes this program so exceptional.” As students graduate and the alumni base continues to grow, the positive impact will be even more profound on the communities that these students call home. Throughout all future endeavors, they will hone those skills nurtured through the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program and use them in every aspect of their lives.
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5 CLASS OF 2021
SCHOOL PARTNERS At every participating high school, at least one staff person assists the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program with its outreach efforts and the nomination and selection processes. These individuals are committed to helping students realize their dreams of a college education and have proven to be invaluable partners in the success of the program. Listed below are the primary coordinators at each school. We wholeheartedly thank them for their support.
BALTIMORE CITY COLLEGE Rodney Joyner
FAIRMONT HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL Monique Emanuel
BALTIMORE LEADERSHIP SCHOOL FOR YOUNG WOMEN Paula Dofat
HIGH POINT HIGH SCHOOL Amelia Simmons
BALTIMORE POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE Beth Green BALTIMORE SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS Abby McKelvey BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL Rhonda Waller CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Meghann Kaplun DIGITAL HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL Pamela Wainwright
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MERGENTHALER VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL Mivalrie Duncan
OXON HILL HIGH SCHOOL Tiffany Jamison PARKDALE HIGH SCHOOL Marsha Bastien PATTERSON HIGH SCHOOL Linda Stokes PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR HIGH SCHOOL Janai Gillin
NATIONAL ACADEMY FOUNDATION SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE April Lemon
POTOMAC HIGH SCHOOL Marla Brooks
NEW ERA ACADEMY Laura Richardson
RENAISSANCE ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL Johnny Gorman
NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL (BALTIMORE CITY) Kerri Brown NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL (PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY) Carly Finkelstein
SUITLAND HIGH SCHOOL Geanita Everett WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL Cheryl Paules
INTRODUCING
THE CLASS OF 2021 Another cadre of outstanding high school students has been selected to participate in the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program, designed to recognize and promote academic excellence and leadership among exceptional students from our partner high schools. In this, the 17th year of the program, we are proud to welcome this new cohort of scholars.
Jenniffer Alberti
High Point High School
Roger Arangorin Jr. Oxon Hill High School
Jessica Jackson
Northwestern High School (Prince George’s County)
Teddy Rosemond Jr.
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Katie Arevalo
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute
Sierra Seabrease
Digital Harbor High School
Joshua Brown
Suitland High School
Maiya Spell
Western High School
Sheanice Charles
Western High School
ShavontĂĄ Stratton
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Jeneva Chester
Parkdale High School
Chardonnay Terrell
Fairmont Heights High School
Jenifer Cordon
Parkdale High School
Princess Ward
Western High School
Jonathan Fuentes
Fairmont Heights High School
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Jenniffer Alberti HIGH POINT HIGH SCHOOL PEOPLE SAY: “Jenniffer understands the necessity of having a strong work ethic, which is important and rare in many teenagers. This is true in extracurricular activities and in the world of academics. When completing school assignments, leading the yearbook staff or working diligently on presentations, layouts, editing, etc., she gives more than 100 percent every day. Jenniffer has contributed greatly to High Point High School and she will be an asset to any university program. She is not only one of the best students at High Point, but also one of the finest human beings. Jenniffer is one of the best leaders I have had in the classroom in my 15-year career. I will truly miss her exceptional ability to command a room with her quiet presence and offer her thoughts in an intellectual and thoughtful way. It was a privilege to have her in my classroom.�
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Roger Arangorin Jr. OXON HILL HIGH SCHOOL PEOPLE SAY: “One aspect that especially stands out about Roger is his unrelenting desire to improve himself and others around him. He is always willing to provide his opinions and life lessons that he has learned to help the younger generation with difficulties that they may be experiencing. I have been very impressed by his dedication and drive. He demonstrates a level of maturity and motivation that I believe will enable him to excel. He fully understands the challenging road ahead of him and is capable of any task at hand. Roger’s personality enables him to function well in a competitive environment without succumbing to the stress. While Roger hasn’t set out to be a role model, he succeeds in that effort because of his enthusiasm, attitude toward his academic pursuits and belief in the importance of education.”
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Katie Arevalo BALTIMORE POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE PEOPLE SAY: “Katie Arevalo is a standout. She is a brilliant, passionate, kind and ethical person. She will contribute enormously to any college that is lucky enough to grab her. She is gifted with language and can indeed articulate any idea she chooses, but she is also committed to trying to find the best ideas, and if possible, the right ideas. Katie has a thirst for truth that very few people share. She is not in it for herself. Katie has been in the spotlight advocating for student rights throughout the (Baltimore City) district, specifically for historically marginalized groups. She has a personality about her, which other students notice and gravitate to for security. She gives a voice to those who do not have any, and provides a safe space for students who need refuge. Poly is very lucky to have Katie because she has a passion to lead, serve and nurture those around her.�
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Joshua Brown SUITLAND HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: Honors College PEOPLE SAY: “Josh is an ideal student. Of course, he does everything that is required of him, but he also possesses critical thinking and superb writing skills that many other students lack. He tends to be pretty quiet in class, but he is like a sponge. He soaks up everything and can reiterate verbatim everything we discuss. More importantly, he knows how to think critically about the information and he analyzes and evaluates it into useable information for himself. He is the best thinking and highest achieving student in the International Baccalaureate program. Josh’s academic success has gone viral. It is exciting to see other people, outside of the school building and the county, witnessing his success. He is a pleasure to have in class and he will settle for nothing less than an “A.” He is the ideal student who I would love to clone. He’s so bright, so focused and so determined. Moreover, he is charismatic, respectful and well-rounded.”
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Sheanice Charles WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL PEOPLE SAY: “Sheanice has always impressed me as a bright, conscientious and determined young woman who shows great promise. She is not preoccupied with her grades but instead measures her success in terms of the quality of the educational experience. She takes pride in her work, never settling for anything but her best, and consistently makes improvements to her work. Sheanice excels any time she is given a task to focus on, working endlessly until it is complete. She is a hard worker with a contagious spirit, and is valued by her teachers and peers as a quiet but focused student who is eager to work with and help others. Based on her record of intellectual curiosity, I believe that success will follow Sheanice wherever she goes. Her resolve, academic potential and ability to balance other responsibilities and school make her the ideal student.�
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Jeneva Chester PARKDALE HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: CIVICUS PEOPLE SAY: “Jeneva is a role model for all of the students who know her both in her capacity at school and in the community. She has an eagerness to learn new things and is happy to share her knowledge with her fellow students. She is so personable, easy to get along with, and flexible when working with a variety of personalities. She is a very responsible, hard-working student and she has demonstrated a great interest and motivation in learning. Jeneva will continue to be a great asset as she has been at Parkdale High School.�
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Jenifer Cordon PARKDALE HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: First-year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) PEOPLE SAY: “Jenifer is quite possibly one of the most stellar, standout students I have encountered in my career. She has an impeccable track record of academics, extracurricular activities and service to her community. She is kind-hearted, mature, patient and determined. She is a role model for our students and has an abundance of wisdom to share. I am particularly pleased and proud of her leadership as president of the Prince George’s Regional Association of Student Governments. Her willingness to take on tasks and projects and follow through to completion is truly admirable. Creative and artistic, Jenifer also plays the violin for her church choir and finds time to tutor students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Jenifer has much to offer and will be an asset to the University of Maryland. I am confident that her innovation, drive and open-mindedness will help her find success.”
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Jonathan Fuentes FAIRMONT HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: First-year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) PEOPLE SAY: “Jonathan immediately stood out as one of the most intelligent students in my class, and brought a great deal of energy and effort each and every day. He was a leader in the classroom and respected by his peers, which made him an awesome student to have in the class. He consistently turned in exceptional work on an extremely difficult curriculum. His time management and persistence are incredible, and I do not think I have ever had a student who is more proactive in completing assignments. His character is of the highest caliber as well, as he is responsible, respectful and reliable. He has the drive, creativity and enthusiasm that are needed to succeed in life, and I have no doubt that he will be an excellent student at Maryland.�
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Jessica Jackson NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL (PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY) SPECIAL HONOR: College Park Scholars PEOPLE SAY: “Jessica’s drive is intense. Once she has set her path, she works tirelessly to complete her goal. Unlike many students, she was not content to coast through her senior year and continued to push herself. I found her to be a polite, no-nonsense go-getter, who is competent and diligent when it comes to all class-related work. She was attentive in class, actively participated in discussions and promptly submitted assignments. She offered help to her classmates who had difficulty understanding concepts that she mastered. Jessica demonstrated leadership in the classroom by setting an excellent example of a model student. She always followed school rules, and was very dedicated to her education. She is a mature, responsible individual with outstanding moral character. Maryland is lucky to get her.”
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Teddy Rosemond Jr. BALTIMORE POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE PEOPLE SAY: “Teddy is a leader. He is diligent, highly conscientious and a great role model for our underclassmen. He understands the importance of building and maintaining relationships. He’s not afraid to step up and take control of a situation, but also knows how to sit back and let others take the lead. His openness to feedback means he’s always learning and growing as a leader, and his impressive strength will continue to serve him well in college and beyond. It’s hard to overstate the meaningful contributions Teddy has made. He has that combination of a positive attitude and the belief he can always improve that’s critical to achieving success. I am confident that he will continue to display the same commitment and diligence in everything he does. Teddy is college- and career-ready. You won’t find a better choice to represent the University of Maryland as an Incentive Award scholar.”
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Sierra Seabrease DIGITAL HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: First-year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) PEOPLE SAY: “Sierra’s empathy, her enthusiasm, her consideration—these are the qualities that set her apart from her peers. She has enthusiastically contributed to the school community and has maintained high expectations for herself in every way. Academically, she has consistently excelled, challenging herself each year. Sierra has taken a leadership role in our school and has consistently volunteered for various events and fundraisers. I wish all students were as motivated and curious as she is. Her ability to maintain all of her responsibilities and properly manage her rigorous schedule is something to be admired. Even in stressful situations, Sierra has used coping mechanisms to remain resilient and optimistic. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for her.”
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Maiya Spell WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL HONOR: First-year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) PEOPLE SAY: “Maiya is a solid student who works well with others and is a true part of the Western High School family. She is the consummate Western Dove: poised, determined, academically talented and hardworking. She has a sense of professionalism and efficiency that is rare in many teenagers. I have had Maiya work with younger students on multiple occasions as a tutor, mentor and role model, and she never disappoints. She has served as orientation leader for visiting students, and each time she receives outstanding reviews from those who have the pleasure of working with her. Maiya has taken on academic challenges, opened herself up to new people and experiences, overcome personal challenges and grown into a young woman who understands her potential. She is truly one of the nicest and most caring young people that I have ever met. She will give just as much as she will gain from the Incentive Awards Program.�
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Shavontá Stratton PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR HIGH SCHOOL PEOPLE SAY: “Although quiet, Shavontá brings a lot to the table! She is exceptionally responsible with a commendable work ethic. She is observant and can thoughtfully articulate her point of view. During our activities, she works hard to solve the task at hand, but does not hesitate to ask for help, and she genuinely listens to your advice. She has a positive, can-do attitude and never complains. She is very conscientious and diligent in carrying out any duty assigned to her. Along with being motivated, Shavontá is a caring person with excellent interpersonal skills. Overall, she is a joy to be around. I am confident that she will continue to succeed anywhere she goes in life.”
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Chardonnay Terrell FAIRMONT HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL PEOPLE SAY: “It was such a delight to teach Chardonnay, who is a bright and industrious young lady. She is a determined, fearless and respectful student who works hard to achieve all of her goals. She buckled down to do work the moment she entered the classroom, participated actively in discussions and asked questions whenever she needed clarification. I immensely enjoyed our debates on various subjects; she articulated her viewpoints in a clear and well-versed manner. She is also a strong writer. Aside from her academic potential, Chardonnay is also very courteous and respectful to both peers and teachers. She surrounds herself with like-minded individuals who have the drive and the intellect to pursue an education beyond high school. Chardonnay will contribute tremendously in the academic and extracurricular areas of the University of Maryland.�
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Princess Ward WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL
SPECIAL HONOR: First-year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) PEOPLE SAY: “Throughout her high school career, Princess has spent many hours volunteering in her community. She uses the discipline, respect and determination that have been instilled through her years of service to balance all of her commitments. In the classroom, she has always grasped new material expeditiously, and her responses to written work are always eloquently conveyed. Her meaningful questions and comments have helped to enrich class discussions and have always provided her classmates with insightful and varying perspectives. I’ve witnessed her quiet maturity and focus set a positive example for her peers to follow. She always demonstrates a strong, positive work ethic and can be counted upon to help others. Her focus and dedication toward improving herself and the school at large exemplify the intensity that characterizes all of her undertakings.”
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SELECTION COMMITTEE
Rahn V. Barnes Healthy Neighborhoods
Jonathan E. Claiborne ‘77, Esq. Community volunteer
Donald C. Scheeler ‘85 Learn It Systems
J. Kenneth Battle Jr. Office of the County Executive Prince George’s County
Mary Graham-Fisher University of Maryland
J. Keith Scroggins ‘79 Baltimore City Public Schools
Danista E. Hunte Child First Authority
Kathy Keys Waymmann ‘81 Ivy Charities of Prince George’s County
Gloria Aparicio Blackwell ‘92 University of Maryland D. Stuart Bowers ‘81 DST Brokerage Solutions Karmen Walker Brown Comcast Michael F. Canning ‘61 Manis Canning & Associates
Sheila D. Jones ‘74, Esq. Law Office of Sheila D. Jones Leronia A. Josey, Esq. Law Office of Leronia A. Josey Ovetta M. Moore The Commercial Group
Timea Webster University of Maryland James Wheeler Ayers Saint Gross Jack Wilen ‘72 Raymond James & Associates
Robert B. Schaftel ‘62 Riggs, Counselman, Michaels & Downs
ADVISORY BOARD
Chuck Daggs ‘69 KIPP Bay Area Schools Barbara Gill ‘85 University of Maryland Barry Gossett The Gossett Group
Dan Millman ‘84 Chairman Turner Impact Capital LLC C.D. Mote Jr. Honorary Chairman National Academy of Engineering University of Maryland
J. Keith Scroggins ‘79 Baltimore City Public Schools Craig Thompson ‘92, Esq. Venable LLP
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TO OUR DONORS It is the power of education and the contributions of many that will help transform students’ lives and secure the future of the University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program. We are grateful to the friends who have joined with us to make this life-changing opportunity for our students a reality through named scholarships and other support. Thank you.
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Barbara A. Ahlquist
Peter J. DeCrescenzo
Ima-Nkoyo C. Ibidapo
David B. Ahlquist
Mercy O. Eke
James Y. Loving Jr.
Vanessa M. Allen
Shelvia English
Constance K. Loving
Jose A. Arevalo
Gary L. Fluke, Jr.
Deon D. Jackson
Brittany M. Atkinson
LaTeicia N. Ford
Phyllis M. Johnson
Kim Y. Bacote
Crystal R. Foster
Kimberly A. Jordan
Ann and Jonathan Barrett
Ruth Frommer
Katey and Matthew S. Blauvelt
Jacob Frommer
Anulekha and Thomas G. Kallarakal
Bridget N. Blount
Kineret A. Gable
Stacy and Gary L. Kaplan Moses O. Lahey
De’Angela C. Boone
Kathryn and Orlando Gencarelli
Christine A. Lay
D. Stuart Bowers
Mark A. Getchis
Jacqueline W. Lee
Kareem Shyheem Branch
Julia C. Gluck
Sheila S. Leiss
Kendra B. Browne
Gluck Family Fund
Shiron J. Lindsay
Kevin R. Burris
Myron J. Goldstein
Rafael A. Lovo Panameno
Nancy S. Canales
Rachel E. Goldstein
Joshua Caplan
Barry P. Gossett
Henri E. Makembe and Miriam Sznycer-Taub
Laura Hope Caplan
Jose Granados
Sabrina A. Christian
David A. Gregory
Jonathan E. Claiborne
Jamece R. Hackett
Cliford L. Kristal Scholarship Fund
Cheryl K. Harrison
Olivia B. Coates Katherine M. Coleman Charlene D. Cooper Carolyn W. Crews Grace J. Crussiah Francis X. Cuomo II
Megan E. Harvey Nakia Toy Haskins James R. Hawkins III Kibbi Lashawn Henderson Vicki and Michael Henn Kori E. Hill
Anna K. Mazouz Connie C. McDonald Warren McKay Thomas McLamore Laura and Daniel I. Millman Anne T. Morrison C. D. Mote Jr. and Patsy Mote Paul McMullen Vanessa A. Murray Renee C. Negin
Eraina Holland
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NSH Class of 1956 Reunion
Carol and Martin Segal
James R. Whipple
Heidi and David Onkst
Nadine B. Semer
Andrea and Eric White
Robert L. Page
Rhonique T. Shields
George C. Pappas
Charles S. Silberman
Suzanne B. Wiener Fitzgerald
Michael A. Patrick
Anita R. Simmons
Yavona and Angelo Pirali
Ann C. Smith and Daniel C. Stein
Jeanne M. Porter William R. Porter
Ericka N. Smith
Prince George’s County Council
Graylin E. Smith
Ashley L. Proctor
Sienna Marie Smith
Brenda and Philip Rever
Stephanie R. Sprow
Brown-Lipitz Family Foundation
Dian D. Squire
Winona F. Roach Evan J. Rosenberg Amy L. Rovelstad Alexander Sack Pranav Saha Dorothy M. Saunders Robin and Michael L. Schaeffer Robert B. Schaftel Darian T. Senn-Carter J. Keith Scroggins
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Dominic A. Smith
Cynthia K. Stevens Simone T. Stewart Craig A. Thompson Suzanne G. Valenstein Emily H. Van Zee Phyllis A. Walden Patricia G. Wang Pernell Watson Jr. Teri L. Weathers Ruth E. Webster-Lewis Wanda Wheeler
Steven Williams Inga Ferguson Williams and James A. Williams III Melzetta K. Williams Randal L. Williams Tiana D. Wynn In Honor of Mary and Barry Gossett In Memory of Daniel D’Ippolito In Honor of Suzanne and Murray Valenstein In Memory of Ruth and Maurice Raderman In Memory of Mrs. Dolores Clouspy Donors from January 1, 2016 through May 30, 2017
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SCHOLAR LIFE
INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM SUZANNE G. AND MURRAY A. VALENSTEIN BALTIMORE INCENTIVE AWARDS PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY INCENTIVE AWARDS 1103 Cole Field House, 4090 Union Drive, College Park, MD 20742
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