Existing Funds

John J. Slezak Instrumental Scholarship Fund

Founded by John and Gail Slezak for students pursuing music education with a focus on instrumental performance.

Both John and Gail enjoyed successful careers spanning decades in music through singing, performing, directing, and teaching. John also founded the local Spires Brass Band in 1993, which was formed to enrich the cultural life of the Frederick community.

If you would like to support John’s legacy, please consider a gift to The Spires Brass Band Fund.

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John Jack Griffin Scholarship Fund

Founded by Earl Main for Frederick High School graduates, with a preference for students pursuing a degree in physical education at a postsecondary or graduate level.

John “Jack” Griffin is remembered as a great coach, mentor, and friend by countless alum of Frederick High School. His 30-year career with Frederick County Public Schools included time at Elm Street Junior High, West Frederick Junior High, and Frederick High School.

Jack was also a Frederick High School alumni, graduating in 1944. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore in 1948, he was awarded a full scholarship from the University of New York for basketball, baseball, and track, and graduated in 1953.

During his tenure with Frederick County Public Schools, Jack served as president of the Frederick County Physical Education Teachers Association (he was an active member for 45 years) and the State Physical Education Association. He also received the William R. Burdick Award from the State of Maryland for Outstanding Contributions to state and county programs.

Coach Griffin is also known for his international coaching and for founding the Frederick Track Club. Two athletes from the Club earned national and international recognition as world record holders: Debbie Thompson for the 60 year indoor dash, and Tammy Davis for indoor hurdles. He also mentored Ellyn Cornish who ran on the USA World XC Team, and Cheryl Poirier, who was a hurdler on the USA/USSR Team. The Club can boast six American records, along with many other successes.

Jack will never be forgotten, not only for his success as a coach, but also as a mentor to youth, and to many coaches who were better coaches because of his influence.

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John L. and Lucille H. Ponton Charitable Fund

Founded through Mrs. Ponton’s estate to provide funds for families of children with cancer and to support Camp Jamie.

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John L. and Lucille H. Ponton Endowment Fund

Founded by Mrs. Ponton as an unrestricted fund.

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John Ryan Dennison Memorial Fund

The John Ryan Dennison Memorial Fund was created by the Dennison family and friends to support the design, construction and maintenance of a memorial project honoring Captain John Ryan Dennison and other Frederick County residents who have lost their lives in the wars on terrorism.

The integrity of a life well-lived was inherent in all Ryan Dennison did. As a young man at Urbana High School, Ryan’s commitment to academic excellence and his dedication to making a difference in the lives of others were beaming examples to everyone. From academic distinction, to outstanding participation in sports, to his volunteer work with Big Brothers, Ryan was a positive role model. It was no surprise, then, when Ryan followed his family’s military tradition by attending West Point. As a 2004 West Point graduate, he proudly served The United States of America as a platoon leader and a member of Task Force Lightning. Simply put, Army Captain Ryan Dennison exemplified the West Point motto of Duty, Honor, and Country throughout his life. Tragically, Ryan’s bright future was cut short on November 15, 2006, when he died at the age of 24 courageously serving his country in Iraq. To honor Ryan’s memory, his family and friends established The John Ryan Dennison Memorial Fund to support the design, construction and maintenance of a memorial project honoring Captain John Ryan Dennison. This memorial will be dedicated to the men and women who voluntarily served and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Copy and paste this link: http://on.fb.me/13PIM9b into your browser to follow this project on Facebook.

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Johnson STEM Education Fund

Founded by Patrick and Virginia Johnson to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs and STEM experiential learning opportunities.

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Joseph B. and Dorothy Long Scholarship Fund

Founded by Mr. Long for Frederick High School or Brunswick High School graduates pursuing a post-secondary education.

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Joseph D. Byrd Fund

Founded through Mr. Byrd’s estate to support agricultural and health care organizations as well as need-based scholarships for students at Poolesville High School.

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