Scholarships

Currently, the cost to educate each student exceeds tuition by $3,600, creating an annual gap of $2.5 million, bridged through philanthropic support.

SMR allocates approximately $2.5 million in financial aid and scholarships, bringing total affordability efforts to more than $5 million. By easing tuition burdens, scholarships improve access to Catholic education, fostering a diverse learning environment and preparing students for success.

On average, 24% of families who applied for financial aid demonstrate a need covering 50% or more of tuition, while nearly 20% of applicants require assistance of 75% or more. 

Research shows that financial aid recipients are more likely to graduate and achieve higher GPAs, as reduced financial stress allows them to focus on academics. More importantly, scholarships give students access to a faith-based, college-preparatory curriculum regardless of financial circumstances. 

Endowed scholarships create a lasting impact, providing continuous financial aid without ongoing fundraising. They allow donors to leave a permanent legacy while making a long-term difference in students’ lives.       

Spend-down scholarships provide for student needs on an annual basis and are also an important component of St. Mary’s Ryken’s financial-aid programs.

Established in 2009 by the Class of 1985 - the first class to attend SMR all four years - to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their graduation. This scholarship is awarded to a student with a strong academic background and a demonstrated need for financial assistance. 

The 50th Reunion Class Scholarship Fund was established by the class of 1974 in honor of their 50th reunion and the lasting impact of their education at St. Mary's Academy and Ryken High School. This endowed fund provides perpetual financial assistance to deserving students attending St. Mary's Ryken, helping to bridge the growing gap between tuition and the true cost of education.

Created as a legacy gift, the fund is intended to be perpetuated by future 50th reunion classes, inspiring alumni to give back and ensure access to a values-based, college-preparatory education for generations to come.

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Dr. Robert and Mary Bauer built their lives around service, education, and faith. Dr. Bauer, a primary care physician, and Mary, a nurse and former SMR biology teacher, raised their family in St. Mary's County and instilled the value of Catholic education in their children and grandchildren- three generations of St. Mary's Ryken students.

To give back to the community they love, the Bauers established the Bauer Family Endowed Scholarship Fund. This permanent fund provides annual financial assistance to St. Mary's County students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an interest in biomedical science and/or engineering. 

Their legacy ensures that future Knights have the opportunity to thrive at SMR- receiving a values-based, college-preparatory education regardless of their financial need. 

Established by Bill and Lucille Reuter to honor the memory of Lucille's parents. They highly valued education and both of their children were career educators. This scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, service to the community, and a need for financial assistance. 

Established in 1992 b y Thomas Brady and Eileen Valentine in memory of their son, Sean, a member of the Class of 1922. Two awards are made annually; one scholarship is awarded to a current student with financial need, and a second to a graduating senior for college tuition. 

This fund is closed but is set up to accept future donations from the family only. Only interest derived from the fund may be used for awards. $1000 for tuition assistance and $1000 for a college scholarship to a graduating senior. 

The Buffington family established the John T. Buffington Scholarship Endowment: wife Carolyn, daughters Kathleen '85, Karen '91, and son Sean '87, in memory of their husband and father, Jack. Mr. Buffington was a passionate advocate for education and a friend and defender of the young people of Southern Maryland. Unfortunately, he was taken from his family and the community he served far too early. This scholarship is a permanent monument to his memory and the causes he served.

Established in memory of Laurie, a member of the Class of 1992, who loved her family, school, and church. Scholarships are awarded to incoming students who demonstrate academic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities. 

This fund is not closed and is set up to accept future donations. The trust agreement states that the trustees shall hold the trust fund and, at their discretion, manage, invest, and reinvest it or parts of it. 

2-3 $1000 awards are given to incoming freshmen. This scholarship is renewable. 

This memorial scholarship was established in honor of Robert "Bob" Combs by his family to honor his life and love of his alma mater. He was a constant source of love, support, and wisdom for his community and family. Bob, a 1960 graduate of Ryken High School, served on the Board of Directors for St. Mary's Ryken High School. Awards are given to students who are residents of St. Mary's County and are based primarily on financial need due to limited funds. 

Established by alumni Matthew Murphy '00 and Britt Farrall Murphy '00, who met at St. Mary's Ryken. For both, their SMR experience changed the trajectory of their lives through the formation of lifelong friendships, the fostering of spiritual beliefs, and forming one's true character. This scholarship will be awarded to students with a strong academic background to provide them with the opportunity to build a solid foundation at this crossroad in their lives. 

Created by James in 2003 to provide financial assistance to students from St. Mary's County. Awards are based on both academic merit and financial need.

Only interest derived from this fund may be used for awards. No guidelines have been set for this fund. 

The Charles Downs Memorial Scholarship honors the life of Charles David Downs, a man known throughout St. Mary’s County for his strong Catholic faith, kind heart, and generosity toward others. Raised in Abell and formed through Holy Angels Catholic School and parish life, Charles lived his faith through everyday acts of service—whether helping a neighbor, supporting his community, or mentoring others in the trades.

A master plumber and owner of Downs Plumbing & Septic Inc., Charles believed in hard work, humility, and treating everyone with respect. His joy for life—whether racing, boating, or spending time with family and friends—was matched only by his commitment to loving his neighbor.

This scholarship supports a St. Mary’s Ryken student who reflects Charles’ values: a faith-driven young person of strong character with significant financial need. Through this award, the Downs family ensures that his legacy of kindness, service, and generosity continues to uplift future generations.

Established by family members to honor Kenneth, a 1939 graduate of St. Mary's Academy. The fund provides financial assistance to two incoming freshmen.

This fund is set up to accept future donations. Only interest derived from the fund may be used for awards. There are a minimum of two $500 awards.

Established in 2011 by the alumni of Ryken High School and St. Mary's Ryken to honor Bob Durbin, a beloved teacher, coach, and mentor to many students for over 40 years. The scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates strong academic achievement, leadership skills, a strong desire to be involved in service and volunteer work, and a need for financial assistance. 

The Richard A. Fazio Scholarship honors the life of Richard A. Fazio — a man grounded in faith, family, generosity, and community. This scholarship reflects his belief in the power of a value-based, college-preparatory Catholic education and his desire to help young people grow into leaders of character

Established by the Fenwick family in 2006 to continue the legacy of their parents, William and Violet, who were committed to Catholic education. Awards are given to students with strong academic backgrounds and a demonstrated need for financial assistance. 

Established by the Gabrelcik family in 2005 to honor the memory of Bob Gabrelcik, a member of the Ryken High School Class of 1971. Bob was dedicated to Catholic education and very generous in his financial assistance for students. Students must demonstrate both academic achievement and financial need. Only interest derived from the fund may be used for awards.

The Christine S. Gardiner Scholarship was established in memory of Christine S. Gardiner by her loving husband, Doug, and amazing daughters, Allison (Class of 2016) and Sarah (Class of 2014) to honor her lifelong commitment to Catholic education. The scholarship gives a Little Flower School student to the opportunity to attend St. Mary's Ryken. Both schools have made a lasting impression on Allison and Sarah, and they want to continue the tradition of giving back to others and celebrate their mother's legacy of faith and family. 

Throughout his lifetime, Joseph, a 1945 St. Mary's Academy graduate and father of two alumni, personified commitment to Catholic education and citizenship in St. Mary's County. This fund, established by his estate in 2006, provides assistance for students who desire a St. Mary's Ryken education and have financial need.

Created in 2007 by four alumni- two brothers and two of their classmates- who felt very fortunate that their parents sacrificed to give them the benefit of a Catholic education. The scholarship is awarded to a well-rounded student who would otherwise be unable to afford St. Mary's Ryken. The recipient will be academically talented and will carry himself or herself with dignity in all academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. There are no reward restrictions. 

Established by the Hurlburt family in honor of Peggy Ellis to honor her lifelong commitment to Catholic education. Awards are given to strong academic backgrounds and a demonstrated need for financial assistance. 

Dr. J. Patrick Jarboe, a 1951 graduate of St. Mary's Academy, dedicated his life to caring for the mind, body, and spirit of those in his community. He believed passionately in the dignity of life and was among the founders of Health Share of St. Mary's, which helps provide medical care for the underinsured and uninsured in the county. While raising five children, he and his wife, Margaret, volunteered in the church and community and were part of a missionary team that for 20 years provided medical and dental care to the underserved people of Guatemala and Honduras. The Jarboe Family Scholarship is for a student who desires to pursue studies in medicine and health sciences through the SMR Xaverian Programs of Excellence and who, like Dr. Jarboe, will act with compassion, decency, and integrity in service to others.

The Kovalcik Family Scholarship, established in 2021, is in memory of Joseph Kovalcik, a 2005 graduate of SMR. The scholarship will benefit an incoming student from the Mother Catherine Academy. If not, MCA, Little Flower School, or St. Michaels.

The Jennifer C. Long ‘88 Legacy Scholarship Fund was established by her family in memory of Jennifer. The scholarship will benefit St. Mary's Ryken students who are part of an SMR legacy family and demonstrate financial need. Students selected for this award will not need to apply. Instead, candidates will be considered and selected based on fulfilling the legacy and financial need requirements.

Established by Mr. and Mrs. Maurice I. Long Jr., this scholarship will support academically talented students who desire a Catholic college preparatory education at St. Mary's Ryken High School. 

The J. Craig and Sherry Marshall Endowed Scholarship was established in 2026 by Craig and Sherry’s daughter, Kristen, and grandson, Hilton, to continue the Marshalls’ lifelong commitment to Catholic education and their belief that a strong faith-based education should be affordable to all. Awards are presented for strong academic achievements and demonstrated financial need.

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Established by the Maurice I. Long Jr. Family Foundation in 2012. Maurice and his three daughters are graduates of Ryken High School and St. Mary's Ryken High School. Inspired by the qualities of a Xaverian education, this scholarship is for a student who has a strong academic background, participation in extracurricular activities, and a commitment to service. 

Established in memory of Navy pilot Joey A. Miller by his wife, Jeannie Miller-Bologna, and sons Joseph, Camden and Casey. Lieutenant Joey A. Miller served his country honorably for 10 years, receiving many decorations and commendations. After leaving the service, he moved to St. Mary’s County and continued to contribute as a leader in his church and community. Joey loved his family, baseball and music. Awarded to a student who demonstrates Joey’s same commitment to service and selflessness and has a demonstrated need for financial assistance.

Established in 2013 by the Morgan family in memory of Maria, beloved wife and mother. Their desire is to recognize a student who shares Maria's compassion for others and her love for service to church and to the greater community. Awards are given to students with a strong academic background and who demonstrate a commitment to service. 

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Established through the Thomas More Project by Lou Mercorella '58 and Andrew J. Tomlinson, this endowed scholarship honors the memory of Thomas Stanley Raley, valedictorian of the Ryken High School Class of 1965. Just weeks after graduation, Thomas entered the Xaverian Brothers' novitiate- on the very grounds where St. Mary's Ryken stands today- taking the name Brother Paschal Raley, C.F.X. His life of faith was tragically cut short by a swimming accident only two weeks later.

To celebrate his legacy, classmates from the Xaverian Brothers' investiture class of 1958 created this fund to provide perpetual financial assistance to SMR students with the greatest financial need. 

The Brother Paschal Raley Scholarship Fund reflects the spirit of compassion and commitment to service that defined Brother Paschal's life, ensuring that generations of students can access a transformative Catholic education at St. Mary's Ryken. 

Established by 2001 by the Raley family in honor of their parents, George and Eleanor Alvey Raley. George and Eleanor were both strong advocates for Catholic education, sending all six of their sons to Ryken High School. Eleanor was a 1936 graduate of St. Mary's Academy, and George served as supervisor of facilities at RHS and SMR from 1979 to 1991. Awards are given to students who are residents of St. Mary's County and are based primarily on financial need.

The donor wishes to have the fund be treated as an endowment, with a goal of reaching $10,000 in five years. All awards are to be made off of the interest. No guidelines have been set for this fund.

Established by Bill and Lucille Reuter to honor the memory of Bill's parents. They were devout Catholics who sacrificed much to ensure that their four children all received a Catholic education through high school. The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, service to the community, and a need for financial assistance,

The Alice King Rigby ’52 & Kenneth Rigby Scholarship was established by the Rigby family to honor the legacy of Alice King Rigby, Class of 1952, and Kenneth Rigby. This annual $1,000 scholarship supports an incoming St. Mary’s Ryken student who demonstrates exceptional academic promise and strong potential for success in the SMR Scholars Program. Preference is given to students who have achieved high scores on their math placement assessments and who reside in St. Mary’s County. Financial need is also considered as part of the selection process.

The scholarship was established by Alice and Ken’s son, Michael Rigby, a 1981 graduate of Ryken High School (RHS), and his wife, Wendy.

Loretta "Tiny" Taylor, 1942 St. Mary’s Academy graduate and her husband, Francis, established the Sister Sara Ann Abell Memorial Scholarship to honor a beloved Sister of Charity and lifelong educator.

The scholarship provides tuition assistance to students with financial need who demonstrate a passion for service—carrying forward Sister Sara Ann’s vision of living the Gospel through action.

The Coach John Sothoron Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established to honor the life and legacy of longtime coach, mentor, and friend, John Sothoron. For over four decades, Coach Sothoron shaped the lives of young athletes- on and off the lacrosse field- instilling values of discipline, leadership, and perserverance.

Deeply committed to student success, John was especially troubled by the financial barriers that kept talented, motivated students from accessing a Catholic education. To continue his mission, his family and supporters created this endowed scholarship at St. Mary's Ryken to provide need-based financial assistance to college-bound student-leaders who would not otherwise be able to attend. With an initial goal of $200,000 by 2030, this fund ensures that Coach Sothoron's legacy lives on by opening doors for future generations of students, just like he did throughout his life.

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The Sterling Family created a family scholarship in November 2016 in honor of the tradition that started with their father and his siblings when all 17 Sterling children attended St. Mary's Academy beginning in the 1930s. It continues today at what is now St. Mary's Ryken. The torch of faith, academics, and athletics has been passed from one generation to the next. By providing this scholarship, the Sterling family plans to keep the tradition of a St. Mary's Ryken Catholic education alive and give others the gift in which they have received. Yearly, a $1,000 scholarship award is granted to a needs-based student from a public or private middle school. The only requirement is the desire of the student to attend SMR. 

Established in memory of Jenna, a 2008 graduate, this scholarship will be awarded to an incoming freshman from Father Andrew White School who shows strong academic achievement, exceptional community and Christian service, and a need for financial assistance. 

Established by the Class of 1998, this fund honors Brother Rom, a devoted faculty member who taught chemistry and physics, and coached several sports during his long tenure at St. Mary's Ryken. This fund awards a scholarship to a rising senior who demonstrates academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. 

This fund is not closed and is set up to accept future donations. The fund maintains the initial principle. The amount of the award is determined annually. 

The St. Thérèse, "the Little Flower," Scholarship was established by an anonymous family to award a student who would not be able to attend St. Mary's Ryken without this assistance and strongly desires to continue to grow his/her faith. St. Thérèse lived every day rooted in God's love. "What matters in life," she wrote, "is not great deeds, but great love."

Established by their children in memory of their parents, James Trent, Jr. and Lois Trent, who sent nine of their children to St. Mary's Academy, Ryken High School, and St. Mary's Ryken. This scholarship will provide $1,000 of tuition support each year for four years to a student interested in mathematics or to an aspiring English major with financial needs. A student from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish is highly desirable but not required.

Judy Weiland established this scholarship in loving memory of her husband, Patrick Weiland, Ryken High School Class of 1971. Mr. Weiland had the amazing gift of bringing out the best in young people, and he dedicated his professional life to troubled youth, helping them to see their potential. This scholarship is for academically talented youth who need financial assistance. 

Established in memory of Blaine, a member of the Class of 2002, this scholarship recognizes students who share Blaine's passion and interest in history and the community. Scholarship are awarded to incoming freshmen who are graduates of a St. Mary's County middle school and are active in community service activities or clubs.

The Ken Wolf Endowed Scholarship supports a well-rounded St. Mary’s Ryken student—committed to academics, character, and extracurricular life—who could not otherwise afford the cost of attendance, honoring Ken’s legacy of dedication to youth, education, and community.

The Ken Wolf Endowed Scholarship at St. Mary’s Ryken honors the memory of Robert Kenneth “Ken” Wolf (1967–2025), a devoted husband, neighbor, and friend whose life was defined by a deep commitment to youth, education, and community.

Ken believed that every young person deserves the chance to thrive, not only in the classroom, but also through athletics, arts, and extracurricular opportunities at St. Mary’s Ryken. He valued well-roundedness—character, leadership, scholarship, service, and the enthusiasm students bring to all aspects of school life.

This scholarship is intended for a student who embodies that spirit: someone who demonstrates solid academic promise, contributes meaningfully to athletics or extracurricular life, shows leadership and character, but who, without financial assistance, might be unable to attend St. Mary’s Ryken. By easing the burden of tuition, this award ensures that financial need never limits the opportunity for a student to grow, lead, and belong here at SMR.

Established to honor the memory of this former SMR parent and member of the Board of Directors who lost his life at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. The purpose of this fund is to provide a scholarship for an academically talented student with financial need.

This fund is not restricted and is set up to accept future donations and is not renewable. There are two $500 awards minimum.