2006 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Stephanie Ralston Khurana, Andrew Heibel, and Rita Ralston
The trip to Annapolis to award the Jeffrey Ralston Scholarship always provides a level of excitement and joy. The young graduates of St. Mary's High School demonstrate a great deal of accomplishment and show such potential for achievement as they start the next stage of their lives. As a group, they are truly inspiring. Again, Stephanie Ralston Khurana and Rita Ralston attended the ceremony and were not disappointed as they met this year's recipient and presented the award. Stephanie recalled her experiences at St. Mary's in her eloquent presentation. She noted that values, character, integrity and service to others are still remembered so clearly as part of Jeff's life. These same qualities are being carried forward by this year's recipient, she stated, as she proudly presented the $1000 monetary award to Andrew Heibel of Annapolis, MD.

Andrew is a breath of fresh air, someone who takes the lead and ventures where his heart takes him, "brimming with creativity and good humor," as it was written by one of his teachers. His generosity with his time and talents, his creative thinking, his problem solving abilities have been welcome gifts to his classmates and the administrators at St. Mary's. As photo editor of the school newspaper and member of the art club, he is known for his artistic ability, earning several school awards in this capacity. Using his computer programming skills and computer knowledge, he is always willing to assist his peers. His creativity was evident as he helped program many of the machines which the Robotics Club entered into competitions throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Since using his first computer, he has dreamed of becoming a programmer. He is proficient with three programming languages, is working on 3D modeling, and is adept at using Adobe "Photoshop." He rounds out his life with sports, playing tennis and running cross country, and is active in community projects to aid cancer research at Johns Hopkins.

We can attest personally to his excellent work ethic. It took some doing to get him to the awards presentation as he had not planned to attend. He had agreed to work that evening at his job as a pharmacy technician at a local drug store. The pharmacist needed to be away from work and Andrew felt he was needed at the pharmacy. It was not easy to convince him to attend the ceremony. Receiving this award came as a wonderful surprise to Andrew.

Andrew's integrity and honesty are valued traits mentioned frequently in his recommendations, traits that have earned him the trust of his teachers and fellow students. It is this behavioral code that he refuses to compromise. Stephanie noted in her speech that "It is important to make a difference each day in the life of another. This seed is planted here at St. Mary's." She noted further, "I am convinced that tonight's recipient has nurtured the seed and will make a big difference in this world by his values." As he mentioned in his application, Andrew has had to make choices and value judgments on a daily basis. These choices have shaped him into the person he is today, a kind, honest, caring young adult who finds it more important that he makes someone's day better, helps a classmate with a computer problem, makes someone who is having a bad time feel better, rather than just go about his day without a care for the world around him.

Andrew noted in his application, "Jeffrey Ralston will always be remembered as friendly, approachable, honest, intelligent, helpful and caring. All qualities I have worked toward during my life, and hope to carry on in college and beyond. Jeffrey has shown the significance of these values in everyone's lives, the significance I hope I will be remembered for when my time comes." We could not ask for more of Andrew. We are happy to award the Jeffrey Ralston Scholarship to Andrew Heibel, to acknowledge his achievements and the kind, caring person that he is.


Rita Ralston, Stephanie Ralston Khurana, Andrew Heibel, James Heibel and Anne Heibel