2014 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Stephanie Ralston Khurana, James Bear Hutchinson, Rita Ralston
Each year, before the trip to Annapolis for the St. Mary's awards ceremony, we undertake the challenging task of evaluating the applications for the Jeffrey D. Ralston Memorial Scholarship, discerning which applicant best meets the criteria noted in the scholarship. Once the winner is chosen, the real fun begins as the anticipation and excitement of meeting this year's award winner builds. As in the past, we are certain that we'll be impressed by the graduating seniors of St. Mary's High School. This year was no exception. Beautifully attired, polite and friendly, their first impression made us proud to be among them. It only got better as the night progressed and we learned of their many achievements. The highlight of the evening was meeting this year's award winner, learning more about this wonderful young man.

Stephanie Ralston Khurana, Jeff's sister, presented the award scholarship to James Bear Hutchinson. With a 4.0 GPA, a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society and a member of the Charles Carroll Scholar Program allowing for specialized achievements, Bear has exhibited remarkable academic accomplishment. He has also been captain of the football and tennis teams, has mentored younger athletes, tutored elementary school students and has volunteered an extraordinary number of hours in community service. Earning multiple achievement awards, one at a Georgetown University 2013 business workshop, and receiving the Kohl's Community Service Scholarship made him a standout.

What makes Bear truly unique among his peers, however, is that he has come to recognize his passions, things he really enjoys, and has dedicated significant time and energy in pursuing them. This has resulted in excellence beyond his years. For the past four years, he has worked as a crew member on a forty-eight foot pirate ship, acting the part of Dagger, the pirate. Playing the harmonica and melodica, he brings joy to children and adults alike. On rainy or sweltering days, with patience and understanding, he remembers his role: to please the customers and to make them happy. His warm personality and creative energy made him the standout on the crew in 2013, earning him the "Pirate Pete" Award for the most valuable employee. One of Bear's references noted that "he contributes on a level of professionalism that is uncommon in the teenage workforce. He is engaging among the customers and a leader among the crew. He regularly shows care and curiosity for others."

Bear is an accomplished pianist, focusing on improvisation, blues and jazz. He applied this passion for music to his senior independent project for the Charles Carroll Scholar program. Winning numerous musical awards, he has studied and performed in notable workshops (Berklee College of Music) and in international blues competitions (youth division) representing the DC and Baltimore Blues Societies in 2012 and 2013, even playing on Beale Street in Memphis, TN. At many of these workshops and classes, he was commended at the top of the group with piano scholarships and experiences as featured performer.

Bear shares his many gifts. He regularly plays piano during school events, open house tours, even at a mass for the visiting Bishop. He is outgoing, respectful, well rounded, hard working, a leader among his peers and a friend first. He follows through on his commitments. Another of his references noted that "Bear is the first to volunteer and the last to leave." It was not difficult to somehow remember these as qualities attributed to Jeff. "Jeff was the kind of person who would pick you up off the side of the road at 2 am when your car broke down even if all he wanted to do was sleep," as noted in Bear's application. There is no doubt Bear would be there now, in Jeff's place, with no other thought than to help a friend in need.

Stephanie Ralston Khurana and Rita Ralston are proud to present the $1,000, Jeffrey D. Ralston Scholarship to James Bear Hutchinson and wish him every success as his exciting future unfolds. His parents, Jamie and Abby joined in congratulating Bear.


Stephanie Ralston Khurana, Jamie, Bear and Abby Hutchinson, Rita Ralston