WASHINGTON, D.C. -- McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C., will honor high school seniors throughout the Greater Washington, D.C., area who have demonstrated leadership, character, exceptional scholastic skills and volunteerism through the McDonald’s Educates Scholarship Program.

At least 45 student honorees will each receive a $1,500 scholarship to the college or university of their choice and will be recognized at an event in May.

"We are so excited to provide these kinds of opportunities to the children and families that work and eat at McDonald’s,” said Mary Navies, a McDonald’s franchisee with stores in Maryland. “The McDonald's Educates Scholarship Program is an important way we are able to give back to our communities and continue supporting one of our most important focus areas – education.”

The 2007 McDonald’s Educates Scholarship Program recipients are chosen based on an application and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or community service leader. Students also submit two short essays detailing lessons they have learned through community service and the importance of education in relation to cultural diversity.

This is the fourth year of the McDonald’s Educates Scholarship Program.  In the past three years, the McDonald’s Family of Greater Washington, D.C., has given more than $260,000 in scholarships to local students.

Call (703) 741-7525 or visit www.McDonaldsEducates.com for an application and additional details.  The application deadline is Thursday, March 1, 2007.  The scholarship winners will be announced in April 2007.