(L-R) Niaomi Blocker, Domonice White, Kaylee Verley and Michael Torres Perez; and Mike Meoli, owner and operator of the Meoli Family McDonald’s Restaurants
The Meoli Companies, proud operators of McDonald’s restaurants across the Delmarva Peninsula, are thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2025 employee scholarship program. This year, four remarkable team members were selected from a competitive pool of 35 applicants, each recognized for their academic goals, community service, perseverance, and growth on the job. In total, $8,000 was awarded to support their higher education journeys.
“These recipients highlight the very reason we established these company scholarships,” said Michael A. Meoli, Owner and Operator of The Meoli Family McDonald’s Restaurants. “They are determined, inspiring, and a testament to what’s possible when you combine hard work with purpose. Not only have they made a difference in the restaurants where they work, they’ve also had a meaningful impact on their local communities. We’re honored to support their journey.”
Meet the 2025 Scholarship Recipients
Kaylee Verley – Chesapeake College
A crew member in Centreville, MD, since 2023, Kaylee is a graduate of Easton High School where she earned her CNA certification and played softball. Her career path was shaped by overcoming a serious car accident at age 13, which inspired her to pursue physical therapy. As the first in her family to attend college, she will study Physical Therapy at Chesapeake College, while continuing to work at McDonald’s and as a CAN.
Michael Torres Perez – Carroll University
Also from Centreville, Michael is a North Caroline High School graduate and accomplished runner who led his school’s LEO Club in service initiatives such as fundraising for leukemia research and Toys for Tots. He will attend Carroll University in Wisconsin to study Biochemistry with the goal of becoming a surgeon.
Niaomi Blocker – Delaware Technical Community College
A Dover North, DE team member, Niaomi began working at McDonald’s at age 14 to help her mother with bills. Now a teen mom, she graduated on time through the Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc., and will be the first in her family to attend college. She plans to study Sonography at Delaware Tech to become an ultrasound technician. Niaomi also created a tutoring program to mentor her peers in math, reading, and science.
Domonice White – Delaware Technical Community College
From Long Neck, DE, Domonice was encouraged by her mother to join McDonald’s to gain experience and build responsibility. She will study Elementary Education at Delaware Tech, inspired by her passion for mentoring young dancers at her local studio and her belief in the power of education to unlock opportunity.
Continuing a Legacy of Opportunity
Since 2023, The Meoli Companies have awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to McDonald’s team members—$30,000 directly through our scholarship program and $90,000 through McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity initiative. We are proud to continue investing in the futures of our employees and strengthening the communities we serve.
Congratulations to Kaylee, Michael, Niaomi, and Domonice! Your resilience and drive inspire us all, and we look forward to seeing the incredible impact you’ll make in your careers and communities.