Merit-Based Scholarships

Students with a B (85%/3.0) average and complete SMR admissions applications may compete for this scholarship. This scholarship is for students who demonstrate leadership through extracurricular activities in their school or community.

Awards are based on:

1. An eight to ten minute in-person presentation. Students should explain how they accomplished a personal or shared goal that benefited their school, parish, or community. What initiative did they personally take to move others toward meeting this goal? How does this goal reflect their personal values? What did they learn about their own personal strengths and weaknesses as a leader while working to meet this goal? Students can be as creative as they'd like with their presentation.  In other words, props, handouts, power point presentations, display boards, notecards, etc. are all allowed.  A laptop, screen and projector will be available for students who wish to use Apply AirPlay or bring their presentation on a USB drive.  

Applicants will be evaluated on the content and delivery of the presentation.

Leadership Scholarship Presentations will be held January 20, 2024, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Families of all eligible Class of 2028 applicants will be contacted in early 2024 and invited to reserve a presentation time slot, if interested. 

Recipients of the Leadership Scholarship will be expected to serve as SMR Ambassadors for on-campus admissions events as well as occasional community events and outreach programs.

Students with a B (85%/3.0) average may compete for this scholarship. This scholarship, in memory of Laurie Collins, SMR class of 1992, is designed to recognize students who, like Laurie, demonstrate a love of school, family and church. To apply, students must submit a 300-500 word essay describing ways they demonstrate love for family, school and church. Essays (typed and double-spaced) must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 8, 2024 via email attachment (as a Word document or PDF with student's name typed on the document) to lauriecollinsscholarship@smrhs.org. The subject line of your email should be: student's first and last name, Laurie Collins. Example: John Smith, Laurie Collins

Students with a B (85%/3.0) average may compete for this scholarship. This scholarship, in memory of Blaine Whorl, SMR class of 2002, recognizes students who share Blaine's passion and interest in history and the community.

To apply, students must submit a 300-500 word essay on ONE of the following topics:

1. Describe a meeting with your favorite historical figure. Within the essay, discuss why you chose this person and what questions you would like to ask this person.

OR

 2. In your opinion, what has been the most significant historical event in United States history? Discuss why this event merits the title of “most significant," and what you think the United States would be like if this event had not taken place.

Essays (typed and double-spaced) must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 8, 2024 via email attachment (as a Word document or PDF with student's name typed on the document) to blainewhorlscholarship@smrhs.org. The subject line of your email should be: student's first and last name, Blaine Whorl. Example: John Smith, Blaine Whorl

Students with a B (85%/3.0) average may compete for this scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students who are active in service to their school, parish or community. The award is based on a student's community service and an essay. Applicants awarded this scholarship will be required to work closely with SMR's Campus Ministry Department on current service opportunities already in place and will work to create new service initiatives for students. To apply, students must submit a 300-500 word essay, and a list of prior community service activities. Community service activities should be listed on a separate page and not as part of the essay.The essay should answer the following: Describe why you chose a particular service opportunity and what it means to you. How does this service increase your awareness of your relationship with God? Essays (typed and double spaced) must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 8, 2024 via email attachment (as a Word document or PDF with student's name typed on the document) to communityservicescholarship@smrhs.org. The subject line of your email should be: student's first and last name, Community Service. Example: John Smith, Community Service

Students with a B (85%/3.0) average may compete for this scholarship, which was established in 2016 by an anonymous donor, in memory of a family member who died in 2014. Named after St. Therese of Lisieux, this scholarship is intended for students interested in attending St. Mary’s Ryken to grow in their Catholic faith. Recipients must demonstrate financial need via the TADS financial aid application, and must maintain a 2.5 GPA while enrolled at SMR.

Students applying for this scholarship should write a 500-word essay containing a spiritual autobiography describing their personal faith journey. Essays (typed and double-spaced) must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 8, 2024  via email attachment (as a Word document or PDF with student's name typed on the document) to sttheresescholarship@smrhs.org. The subject line of your email should be: student's first and last name, St. Therese. Example: John Smith, St. Therese.

Students with a B (85%/3.0) average may compete for this scholarship. 

Students will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Technical ability and placement
• Flexibility
• Strength, control, and balance
• Musicality
• Quality of movement
• Stage presence
• Dance background and knowledge
• Versatility in dance forms.

The winner of the Dance Scholarship will be required to participate in a dance course each year.

Auditioning students will be asked to complete a dance training form on audition day.  Alternatively, students may bring a dance resume highlighting training, performance experience, awards and scholarships.  The dance audition will consist of two parts.  In the first part, all students will participate in a group class that includes warm-up, center, and traveling combinations.  The class will cover classical ballet, jazz, modern/contemporary combinations and improvisation.  For the second part, students will individually present self-choreographed solo pieces, no longer than 90 seconds, in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, or modern/contemporary dance.  Students will also be asked to teach part of their solo piece.  Auditioning students will receive class placement recommendations for fall enrollment and will not need to complete a placement audition.

Dance Scholarship auditions will be held January 20, 2024, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Families of all eligible Class of 2028 applicants will be contacted in early 2024 and invited to reserve an audition time slot, if interested. 

Students with a B (85%/3.0) average may compete for this scholarship.

Instrumental Scholarship Applicants:

• should bring their own instrument and music
• should be dressed appropriately
• introduce themselves at the beginning of their audition and announce what school they attend and their instrumental background.

Students will receive a rating in the following areas:

• Tone quality
• Phrasing
• Intonation
• Rhythmic accuracy
• Articulation
• Musicality
• Technique
• Dynamic accuracy
• Tempo.

The winner of the Instrumental Scholarship will be required to participate in Concert Band, Orchestra, or Jazz Band (whichever is applicable as determined by the student’s instrument) each year.

Instrumental Scholarship auditions will be held January 20, 2024, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Families of all eligible Class of 2028 applicants will be contacted in early 2024 and invited to reserve an audition time slot, if interested. 

Students with a B (85%/3.0) average may compete for this scholarship. 

Piano Scholarship Applicants:

• should prepare 2 contrasting pieces
• will be given a song to sight read
• should be prepared to play Major scales
• should provide the adjudicator with 2 copies of the music to be played
• should be dressed appropriately
• should introduce themselves at the beginning of their audition and announce what school they attend and their background in music

Students will receive a rating in the following areas:

• Phrasing
• Rhythmic accuracy
• Articulation
• Musicality
• Technique
• Dynamic accuracy
• Tempo

Recipients of the Piano Scholarship will be required to: 

• Participate in Mixed Chorus during 9th and 10th grade, and Mixed Chorus or Show Choir during 11th and 12th grade as an accompanist. The activities associated with this scholarship will be part of the student’s grade for either Mixed Chorus or Show Choir.
• Play warm-ups in class, as well as rehearse and accompany choir groups for all masses, concerts, field trips, and performances outside of St. Mary’s Ryken. 
• Accompany the St. Mary's Ryken Youth Honors Chorus during their rehearsals and concert. 
• Assist in accompanying students for Maryland State Solo & Ensemble. This is often a weekend event.

Piano Scholarship auditions will be held January 20, 2024, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Families of all eligible Class of 2028 applicants will be contacted in early 2024 and invited to reserve an audition time slot, if interested. 

Students with a B (85%/3.0) average may compete for this scholarship.

Theatre Scholarship Applicants:

• should prepare a 1-2 minute monologue from a published play
• should prepare a musical theatre style song (please provide accompanist or bring accompaniment track on a phone or iPad)
• should provide the adjudicator with a theatre resume that presents past theatre experience
• should provide the adjudicator with a copy of their monologue and a copy of their musical theatre piece
• should be dressed appropriately
• should introduce themselves at the beginning of their audition and announce what school they attend and their theatre background

Students will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Characterization
• Technique
• Musicality
• Intonation
• Presentation.

The winner of the Theatre Scholarship will be required to: take Modern Media and Theatre, audition for both theatrical productions each year, and participate in Stage Guild for all four years.

Theatre Scholarship auditions will be held January 20, 2024, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Families of all eligible Class of 2028 applicants will be contacted in early 2024 and invited to reserve an audition time slot, if interested. 

Students with a B (85%/3.0) average may compete for this scholarship. Students should select four of their best works. The four pieces should consist of:

1. One work of color
2. Two drawings (preferably in pencil)
3. A fourth piece should be three-dimensional (ceramic or sculpture), or another drawing or painting.

Work should be original, based on direct observation, and not copied from photos or magazines. All work should be matted, and not exceed 18" x 24" in size. Sketchbooks may also be submitted. Student work will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Composition - Based on organization of the elements of art and design principles
• Craftsmanship - The overall appearance of the work
• Technique - The handling, experimentation and use of media
• Creativity - Uniqueness and originality of composition and use of material

Student’s portfolio, labeled with the student's name, should include all work and may be dropped off at Romuald Hall on January 20, 2024 between 8 am - 4 pm. The winner of the Art Scholarship will be required to participate in a visual art course each year.

Students with a B (85%/3.0) average may compete for this scholarship.

Vocal Scholarship Applicants:

• should prepare 2 contrasting styles of music
• should provide the adjudicator with 2 copies of their musical selections
• should only use an acapella or accompanist-only track.  CDs are acceptable or students may bring an accompanist.
• should memorize all pieces and sing them in their entirety
• should be dressed appropriately
• should introduce themselves at the beginning of their audition and announce what school they attend and their background in music

Students will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Intonation
• Breath control
• Musicality
• Tone
• Production
• Presentation.

The winner of the Vocal Scholarship will be required to participate in Mixed Chorus during 9th and 10th grade and Mixed Chorus or Show Choir during 11th and 12th grade.

Vocal Scholarship auditions will be held January 20, 2024, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Families of all eligible Class of 2028 applicants will be contacted in early 2024 and invited to reserve an audition time slot, if interested. 

All 9th grade applicants who have complete application checklists and have taken the High School Placement Test will be considered for the Presidential Scholarship for Academic Achievement. No additional application is required.