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White, Wright, Ritter Scholarship Recipients
On May 18th, during the 10:45 Sanctuary Service, the White, Wright, Ritter Scholarship recipients will be receiving their scholarships for the 2025-26 school year.
Below is a list of the recipients along with excerpts of their application remarks. It was heart-warming to read about the impact Gay Street United Methodist Church has had on the lives of our young adults.


Christine Bell
"The ministries of Gay Street UMC have impacted my faith in lasting ways. Being a part of this church family that is genuine and supportive has made it easier to ask questions, ask for help, grow in my faith, and feel connected to something bigger than myself. Whether through worship or just having conversations with people at church, I've felt encouraged to keep learning and live out my faith."
Jada Breeding
"Not only have my church community's words helped to keep me motivated throughout my semesters during college thus far, but have also helped me when I doubt my faith. Each time I enter the church again while on break I am reminded of why I believe in God's grace and his guidance of me."
Ethan Brooks
"Being as involved as I was with this church during my high school years really helped to set me on a good path for my future. Involvement with youth activities gave me good community with other believers my age. Opportunities with Hot Meals helped me step outside my comfort zone when serving others and doing God's work. Confirmation (both as a confirmand and as a mentor) led me to consider my faith more and learn to apply it to my life. I believe that my experiences with GSUMC shaped my faith life and led me to be the involved and willing Christian I am today."
Ava Burson
"Over the years, being involved in the many Ministries at Gay Street UMC has completely shaped the way that I view my faith and the world in general. Throughout my life and my time at Gay Street UMC, I participated in choir, mission trips, bell choir, and other forms of service. I have realized the impact participating in these things has left on me. These have shown me the importance of keeping faith even when things may be difficult. I have also found such a comfort in my church family as they have supported me through all my endeavors, even into college. I am so grateful for my church family as they have shown me how to be a disciple of Christ in so many ways, whether it be in the church, or outside of the church walls."
Elizabeth Diehl
"Mrs. Kepple and Mrs. Reynolds supported my faith through their encouragement of sharing my gift of music through church choir. Mrs. Prince was my confirmation teacher and I will always appreciate the lessons she taught me about the Bible, and the kindness she showed me and continues to show me. My family has always encouraged me to be an active part in the church, whether it be through bell choir or reading Scripture."
Patrick Frazer
"The support from the congregation throughout the years of being at Gay Street has been amazing. From teaching me how to build and use power tools from Mike Prince, to learning how to sing and read music from Mary Kepple. Everyone in the Gay Street family has helped me develop into someone who cares about others in need and someone who is willing to help where ever it is needed."
Tyler Ing
"Throughout my faith journey, I've received meaningful support from Rev. Karen Oehl, Rev. Christopher Liberati, and Logan, our youth director. Rev. Oehl provided compassionate pastoral care and insightful teachings that deepened my understanding of faith. Rev. Liberati offered thoughtful discussions and guidance that encouraged reflection and spiritual growth. Logan created an inviting and supportive atmosphere in youth ministries, helping me connect more deeply with my faith and community."
Anthony Liberati
"My Journey through the ministries of the church have impacted me in ways that I cannot even imagine, from moving multiple times and seeing the differences in each church that I have attended, I believe that Gay Street has made my faith grow. For example when I first moved into Mount Vernon I was greeted by everyone that attended church and felt very welcomed into becoming a member. Another example is that since I am the pastor's son there is a lot of pressure when it comes to feeling included into a church community. However, everyone at Gay Street UMC has given me opportunities to serve and have encouraged me when needed. Finally this church has been so open and flexible, that I am able to thrive in my faith within the community."
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