2009 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT - PATRICK RYAN ADAMS

For the fourth consecutive year the Gene and John Athletic Fund of Stonewall has selected an outstanding athlete to receive its 2009 scholarship: Patrick Ryan Adams, a recent graduate from the Deerfield Academy who this fall will be attending ColbyCollege. The scholarship will help Patrick in paying his college tuition.

At Deerfield, Patrick's chosen sports were cross country running, skiing and rowing. In cross country he won three awards and was team captain in 2008. On the Varsity Ski Team he won another achievement award and was captain of the Team for the 2008/9 season. During his three years of rowing at Deerfield, Patrick won two bronze medals and one fourth place in the New England Championships rowing in Division1 A fours. Rowing is the sports he is most passionate about, and he will continuing rowing while attending college.

Patrick was also an Eagle Scout and has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics. He was very active in Deerfield's Gay-Straight Alliance where he said "I teamed up with our president to create a confidential counseling service for students who were in the closet, and who might not want to speak with the school's counselors. She and I heard from a number of needy, lonely students and spoke with them personally. I wish I could have been involved longer (at Deerfield) so that I could hold an official leadership position, but I won't make the same mistake at in college and will become involved right away."

"As a three-season varsity athlete, captain for two and a proctor living on a hall of freshmen and sophomores, by the reaction I received, after I came out, I know I succeeded in altering people's perceptions about the LGBT community. Students, teachers, friends, and teammates, even some from Ghana and Korea, graciously told me so. I will continue to live as a successful and humble example, for people in and outside the LGBT community. I intend to do this by doing my best in academics and athletics, and remaining involved. I intend to major in Environmental Studies so that I can [help] make our planet sustainable" Patrick said. Summarizing his philosophy, Patrick said: "While I realize anyone can say they will make a difference, I know I can."