Bright Minds and the Murphy family are proud to support Glenelg High School 2022 graduate Ryan Cather in his college journey! During his senior year, Ryan was a recipient of the Matthew Murphy Memorial Scholarship, awarded to HCPSS Academy of Engineering students who demonstrate perseverance, positive attitude, and consideration for others.
Learn about Ryan’s college experiences – including advice for current HCPSS students – in his own words below.
Name: Ryan Cather
High School Attended: Glenelg High School
Graduation Year: 2022
Did you receive any special recognitions, awards, scholarships, grants or honors at graduation?
I was awarded Glenelg’s CTE student of the year at my high school graduation and the Bright minds Matthew Murphy Memorial Scholarship.
When you reflect on your time in high school, what experiences or memories come to mind?
The memories that come to mind are those I made with lifelong friends that I met during high school as well as through the Glenelg robotics program.
College do you attend: UMBC
If you could pick three words to describe the road that eventually led you to UMBC, what would they be?
Exciting, Challenging, Transformative.
What is your major? Computer Science
What hobbies, clubs or activities have you joined while in college?
I am in the System Administration and Software Development club, as well as the president of the Amature Radio club
What is your favorite part of attending college?
I love the freedom to shape my schedule in a way that fits me best.
What is the most challenging?
With the freedoms of college come much more responsibility for not only your classes but also for your personal life.
Describe your post-college goals/dreams?
Following college, I’m excited to build a long lasting career in the IT space.
How did the Matthew Murphy Scholarship help you?
The Matthew Murphy Scholarship helped cover the numerous costs one incurs entering college.
What has the Matthew Murphy Scholarship meant to you?
The Matthew Murphy Scholarship has meant a lot to me as someone pursuing a STEAM field like Matthew did. It has helped me become more aware of how widespread mental health issues are and the importance of managing stress and having a support network.
What advice do you have for future graduating high school students?
Remain adaptable and flexible. Just because one route to achieving your goals is no longer available, does not mean there isn’t another.
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Contributions to the Matthew Murphy Memorial Scholarship may be made to Bright Minds via our website: DONATE, or by check to the Bright Minds Foundation, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Please designate Matthew Murphy in the comment field or memo line.
About Bright Minds Foundation
Bright Minds Foundation is the Howard County public schools education foundation. We work to ensure each child in Howard County has access to the education, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed at school and in life. We do this by bringing together community support for programs and initiatives that increase education access, equity, and innovation. Bright Minds programs respond to the urgent and ongoing needs of children in four areas: digital inclusion, literacy & kindergarten readiness, college access, and teacher support & classroom innovation. To learn more and contribute, please visit brightmindsfoundation.org/donate.
