Upper Bay Ruritan Club Invests in the Future

Published on October 22, 2024

The image depicts a group of 23 people posing indoors. They are arranged in three rows. The front row has five people sitting on chairs, while the back two rows have people standing. The room features white walls and a closed door in the background. The group comprises both men and women, with varying ages and styles of dress. Some are casually dressed in t-shirts and jeans, while others wear more formal attire including collared shirts and blouses. A few people wear name tags. On the right side of the image, there's a table with stacks of colored binders and a green tablecloth.

Scholarships Awarded to Local Graduates

CECILTON, Md.: Just as farmers take pride in caring for the land, the Upper Bay Ruritan Club is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of American citizens. For more than 20 years, the Upper Bay Ruritan Club has offered scholarships to Bohemia Manor High School graduates, empowering them to pursue their dreams of higher education.

This fall, the Upper Bay Ruritan Club, based in Cecilton, Maryland, awarded eight students $1,000 scholarships each.

“It brings us immense joy to meet these students and support them in achieving their aspirations,” said Upper Bay Ruritan Club Board Member Jeremy Rothwell. “It’s all about helping these young people, and it’s a pleasure to share a meal and connect with them.”

The scholarships have played a crucial role in helping students earn degrees that will not only enrich their lives but also contribute to the prosperity of Cecil County. The recipients are studying fields such as nursing, elementary education, psychology, and bioproduction.

Among the Cecil College students was Sarah Butkus, who is pursuing an English degree with the aim of becoming a writer or producing a podcast. With aspirations to attend Towson University, she believes that exceptional language skills are essential for success.

Also present at the annual presentation dinner was Kaiden McCleary, who has entered his first year of the nursing program at Cecil College after completing the pre-requisites. His goal is to work in the local healthcare field upon graduating and earning his NCLEX certification.

The Ruritan Clubs are service organizations rooted in small towns and rural areas, addressing community needs through various initiatives. Their mission focuses on “Fellowship, Goodwill, and Community Service.”

“The Upper Bay Ruritans have generously supported our college for many years, making a significant impact in the lives of our students,” remarked Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt.

Thanks to organizations like the Upper Bay Ruritan Club, the Cecil College Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in student scholarships. In the past two decades, the Upper Bay Ruritan Club alone has contributed more than $100,000 through its fundraising efforts.

The Upper Bay Ruritan Club’s next fundraising event is its annual Spaghetti Dinner that will be held on Friday, Nov. 1, at the Hacks Point Fire Company in Earleville, Md. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children 6-12, and children under five are free. All proceeds benefit college scholarships for local students.

For more information, please contact: Cecil College Foundation at foundation@nullcecil.edu or visit cecil.edu/foundation.