November 11, 2006 is Veterans Day. November 5 through November 11, 2006 is National Veterans Awareness Week. Thank those who have given so much.
Ray Joseph Hutchinson lived his life for his family, friends and country. Now, through the Ray Joseph Hutchinson Scholarship many young people will continue his good works through the scholarship created in his memory.
The scholarship goes to students who are not in the top 10 percent of their class. The students should have overcome some kind of hardship and be a person Hutchinson would have wanted to help. Hutchinson, a 2001 Clear Creek High School graduate, was killed in Iraq on Dec. 7, 2003 while assigned to the 101st Airborne Division.
Before he joined the service he worked as a photographer for HiLife, the school’s paper, from 1997–2001. It was Hutchinson’s friends at Clear Creek High School who wanted to create a scholarship in his memory and make something positive come from their grief. The first donations were from students who gave extra lunch money to start the scholarship.
“To contribute to the Ray Joseph Hutchinson Scholarship is to honor not only him, but all soldiers everywhere who make sacrifices of their lives to do their duty,” said Deborah Hutchinson, mother of Ray Joseph. “The commitment and brave works of all our soldiers are honored when the Ray Joseph Hutchinson Scholarship is allowed to grow and do its noble work.”
A recent benefit sponsored by Jon Ennis, publisher of the Bay Runner magazine and The Scene, and Mickey Wooten, owner of the South Shore Grill, raised $2,500. Since the scholarship was created earlier this year, nearly $10,000 has been raised and two scholarships have been awarded.
Josh Shideler, recipient of the scholarship and former editor of the HiLife, said, “"I am honored to be the first recipient of the Ray Hutchinson Scholarship. He is an American hero. Learning about Ray and how he lived his life has made me realize that I need to carry on his story and his memory."
This year Shideler began school at North Texas University. Next year two additional students will benefit from the scholarship created in a fallen soldier’s memory creating hope and opportunity from sadness.
“The purpose of the scholarship becomes a ripple of the beginning of greatness that spreads on and on to others, and one good thing leads to another,” Deborah Hutchinson said. “What could be better?”
Contributions to the Ray Joseph Hutchinson Scholarship may be sent to Clear Creek Independent School District 2305 E. Main Street, League City, TX 77573 Attention: CCHS—Ray Hutchinson Scholarship. For more information contact the Office of Public Information at [281] 284-0020.
