The Baltimore Ravens have selected their 2013 class of Ravens Scholars. For the fourth-consecutive year, five outstanding area high school seniors who displayed remarkable academic achievement, extra-curricular participation and community service will each be awarded a $5,000 renewable scholarship ($20,000 over four years to each scholar) to support their respective college educations.
Funded by the Ravens All Community Team Foundation (RACTF), the scholarship program enables local youth to continue their education on a collegiate level. The team has a long-standing history of service to local communities, and this fund supports those who exhibit the same commitment. Applications were accepted from students who attend public schools in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Carroll County, areas where the Ravens operate training facilities, maintain offices and hold youth football camps.
The Ravens organization continued its partnership with CollegeBound Foundation, an independent, nonprofit program designed to work exclusively with local students, helping high schoolers achieve a post-secondary education. After receiving over 150 applications, the scholarship committee selected 10 finalists to be interviewed at the Ravens' facility in Owings Mills. Assistant general manager Eric DeCosta and assistant director of public relations Patrick Gleason joined members of CollegeBound to conduct the interviews.
Below is the 2013 class of students who will receive scholarships:
2013 Ravens Scholars
Nicolas "Cole" Holocker, Century High School – Holocker, a 2012 AP scholar, will be attending the University of Maryland in the fall of 2013. Currently the vice president of the Carroll County Student Government Association, Holocker has been an active leader in student body government since elementary school and is passionate about governmental affairs. Throughout his four years in high school, Holocker has been a member of the school's wind ensemble, a technical assistant in the drama club and a referee for youth soccer games. The senior also currently holds positions of public information officer and fire lieutenant for the Sykesville Freedom District Junior Firefighter program. Additionally, he manages his own personal nonprofit aimed at providing service opportunities to young adults, as well as underserved youth in the Baltimore – named Kids United.
Alison McGuire, Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts – McGuire will be attending Frostburg State University in the fall of 2013. She has goals of becoming a pharmacist, and thus, assisted at John Hopkins Bayview as a junior volunteer from 2009–11. During her work, she aided with X-rays and mammography in the imaging department and read to youth in hospital beds through their children's medical practice. In addition to numerous volunteer hours, McGuire is also a member of the varsity badminton team and serves as the president of the National Math Honor Society.
Andrew Shipton, Westminster High School – Shipton will be attending Towson University in the fall of 2013. Despite the passing of his father in an accident and Andrew developing a brain tumor during middle school – he was determined to handle his misfortune with a positive attitude and appreciation for life. Shipton's goal is to major in biology and environmental science, because he has a true passion for nature. He is an exceptional student who has excelled in several honors classes. He also recently obtained his black belt in Tae Kown Do and now mentors younger belts – instilling in them the same values he carries.
Imani Staton-McCrimmon, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute – Staton-McCrimmon will be attending St. Mary's College of Maryland in the fall of 2013. She has goals of entering the medical field, which is why she spent most of her summers working at Johns Hopkins University. A Maryland scholar-athlete who was designated captain of her volleyball team as a senior, Staton-McCrimmon also frequently tutors students in math and science, volunteers at New Elizabeth Baptist Church and sings in its choir, and helps displaced families find shelter in her Park Heights neighborhood.
Barellie Thompson, W.E.B. DuBois High School – Thompson will be attending the University of Maryland Baltimore County – an honors public research university – in the fall of 2013. He is a standout student, having maintained honor roll status throughout all four years of high school. However, his success isn't limited to the classroom. Thompson is also a dedicated three-sport athlete and captain of the school's debate team. As a member of the Baltimore Urban Debate League, he's learned about public policy and has aspirations of becoming a lawyer. The senior also volunteers his time painting drain covers to raise awareness of Bay pollution and plays the baritone in the W.E.B. DuBois Musical Ensemble.
