Community Foundation Trustee Bob Mount (L) with scholarship recipient Mary Walters, Ryan Dennison’s sister Colleen Dennison, and father Jack Dennison

Community Foundation Awards First
Captain John Ryan Dennison Scholarship

July 17, 2007: Urbana High School graduate Mary Walters has been named the first recipient of The Captain John Ryan Dennison Scholarship which honors the memory of Ijamsville native Ryan Dennison, who was killed by small arms fire in November, 2006 while serving in Iraq. Ms. Walters will be attending St. Mary’s College of Maryland in the fall to study Project Management.

Army Captain Ryan Dennison graduated from Urbana High School in 2000 where he achieved academic excellence while also participating on the football and wrestling teams. Considered a role model in his community, Ryan went on to attend The United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 2004. Tragically, Ryan’s life was cut short in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

To honor his memory, Ryan’s parents, Jack and Shannon Dennison, and Ryan’s wife, Haley, turned to the Community Foundation to establish The Captain John Ryan Dennison Scholarship Fund. The Fund provides annual scholarships to graduates of Urbana or Linganore High Schools who participate in at least one varsity sport, have an outstanding record of community service, and excel academically while taking Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses.

“Mary’s accomplishments and zest for life truly honor Ryan’s memory,” say Jack and Shannon Dennison, Ryan’s parents. “We are tremendously pleased that she is the first recipient of The Captain John Ryan Dennison Scholarship.”

A 2007 graduate of Urbana High School, Mary Walters was vice president of both the Student Government Association and the National Honor Society, a starter on the Varsity Field Hockey Team, and a member of both the Indoor and Outdoor Track Teams. She is an active member of St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church in Ijamsville where she is a Children’s Liturgy of the Word teacher. She has also been a representative of St. Ignatius at the Archdiocese Youth Advisory Council Meetings.

Mary says she is grateful to receive the Community Foundation’s Captain John Ryan Dennison Scholarship because of the impact Ryan had on the Frederick County community and his commitment to serving his country. “Ryan Dennison was a wonderful role model throughout his life. I am extremely honored to be the first recipient of this scholarship.”

Since 1986, individuals, families, businesses, and organizations have turned to the expertise of the Community Foundation to establish charitable funds that award scholarships to deserving students and grants to nonprofit organizations. To donate to The Captain John Ryan Dennison Scholarship Fund, click here or call 301.695.7660.