2007 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Stephanie Ralston Khurana and Patrick Noonan
Adjacent to the city dock, overlooking Spa Creek and the United States Naval Academy, the Annapolis Marriott provides a unique ambiance and contributes greatly to St. Mary's annual award presentation. Filled with eager graduates and proud parents, the Marriott ballroom was an inspirational setting again for an exciting and rewarding experience. Stephanie Ralston Khurana and Rita Ralston attended the ceremony, and were delighted by the quality and accomplishments of the graduating students. The scholarship applications were excellent and the selection of the winner this year was very challenging. As the many scholarship applications were being reviewed, it was apparent this was special class of students.

A special mood of kindness and caring prevailed during the evening's festivities. Aware they were about to take a giant step in their lives, and excited to be doing so, the graduating students also sensed they were about to leave the source of many special memories behind at St. Mary's. It was easy for all to be caught up in their "moment" of mixed emotions, to relish and enjoy one of the final activities of their high school years.

Stephanie Khurana began her presentation noting the qualities the recipient of the Jeffrey D. Ralston Scholarship must evidence; character, integrity, leadership, service and scholarship, qualities often admired in Jeffrey Ralston's life. This year's recipient, Patrick Noonan is exemplary in displaying these characteristics. He is a Parvis scholar with a 4.21 GPA, member of the Honors Program, in the top 10 percent of his graduating class and received many awards for his scholastic achievements.

He was consistently active in student government, holding class offices throughout his high school years and Student Body Vice President during his senior year.

He played lacrosse and soccer and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes during all four years of high school. As a sophomore, he was captain of the JV Soccer team.

A willing participant and volunteer at many levels, he was an altar server for eight years and an organizer for food drives and Toys for Tots collections. He helped at a local soup kitchen and distributed food for the St. Vincent de Paul Society throughout his high school years. He participated in the Habitat for Humanity efforts, helping to renovate a home in South Carolina for a family in need.

Patrick noted in his application that the service-oriented environment he experienced at home and at school greatly influenced his career choice and also his personal values. As he shared his gifts of time and talent with those who were less fortunate, Patrick recognized that values are an important aspect of his life. During a retreat, he was asked to lead group discussions, focusing on ideals and values. He facilitated a group discussion of forty of his peers as they pondered the importance of values in making life altering decisions. Regarding his own career path, recognizing his aptitude for science and mathematics, he intends to major in the biomedical engineering field. He notes this would also provide an opportunity to serve others.

Patrick displays a consistent giving spirit, willing to help others with no expectation of a personal reward. In one of his references, it is noted that "his peers value his opinion and admire the example of how he conducts his life…. He is truly a friend to many of his fellow classmates and can be counted upon whenever someone needs help." His self-giving nature is exemplary of the kind of person deserving the award of the Jeffrey D. Ralston Scholarship.

"He is one of those exceptional students who are well rounded and proficient in many areas, committed to excellence in all areas of his life," one reference notes. "He was diligent in his work, motivated, and possessed the utmost in integrity." Another reference notes, "His commitment to excellence transcends all areas of his life; academic, social, athletic, outreach and spiritual. He is one of those rare students that we as educators are so fortunate to have experienced and will look back and be thankful for the time together."

Friends of Jeffrey Ralston often mentioned how thankful they are for the time they were able to share with him, noting that he was a true friend. We are honored to recognize Patrick Noonan, another of the same generous spirit, with this year's scholarship award of $1000.


Frank Noonan, Barbara Noonan, Patrick Noonan, Stephanie Ralston Khurana and Rita Ralston