By Peter Sorkin
Quality Services for the Autism Community has chosen the first recipient of its scholarship in memory of one of five Wendy's restaurant employees murdered in Flushing in May.
Anthony Millan of Manhattan will receive $1,000 toward his education at Queens College in a ceremony scheduled Thursday at QSAC headquarters at 30-10 38th St.
The scholarship is named for Anita Smith, who was also a QSAC part-time staffer.
Anita's mother, Joan Truman-Smith, will present the check to Millan, who works in both a group home and an after-school program for the autistic. He is pursuing a degree in psychology.
Smith, who was 22, worked at QSAC part time, and was involved in similar programs for autistic children and adults, said QSAC Director Gary Maffei.
Maffei said the scholarship-fund recipients will be able to use the money to further their education and careers, while also honoring Smith and her work for the autistic community.
“We started this scholarship fund with her family to keep her memory alive,” Maffei said.
Smith, of South Jamaica, was a Springfield Gardens High School graduate and planned to enroll at York College in September.
Truman-Smith, who moved to the United States from the island of Jamaica nearly 30 years ago, said her daughter had many friends and was very generous with her time.
“Anita wanted to do a lot of things,” she said. “If she had her last dollar, she would say to you, 'Here you have it.'”
In addition to her mother and maternal grandparents, Anita is survived by two brothers, 6 and 11, a sister, 21, and several other relatives.
Maffei said Millan represents everything Smith stood for and his organization will keep her memory alive by rewarding worthy students.
“The scholarship is awarded to those who are trying to help people with autism and along those lines. Anthony represents that,” he said. “He is the first recipient, and we are going to raise money for it continually.”
Reach reporter Peter Sorkin by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 155