Jerry Schilling, a member of the St. Mary’s Class of 1977, has so generously decided to fund a scholarship that will live on in perpetuity at his beloved alma mater. The Putting Others First Scholarship will be awarded to a junior each year at St. Mary’s who exemplifies what it means to put others before themselves.
“’Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40. Unsung heroes are defined by what they do when no one is looking and the work they put in day in and out to better those and the world around them. This scholarship is meant to reward those students who do not typically receive accolades, but rather volunteer without gain, have the heart of a servant, are in good standing, and are an overall living example of putting others first. Their work ethic and dedication to others truly make them special. This scholarship will also be need-based in nature, affording the winner the opportunity to finish their high school career at St. Mary’s, whereas they may not otherwise be able to.
Students who apply for said scholarship will be tasked with writing an essay to explain why they are deserving of this honor and just how they put others first. A panel will oversee the selection process each year, with Jerry himself having a great deal of input in choosing the recipient.
This theme of work ethic with the heart of a servant is the foundation on which Jerry built his life. Jerry grew up in Lancaster as the oldest boy of seven siblings and even spent a couple of his childhood years in Gabon, Africa. His parents sacrificed much so that he could attend St. Mary’s High School, and Jerry pitched in as well, waxing floors and cleaning chalkboards as part of the after-school and summer work crew programs. He was an avid athlete, playing key roles on the Cross Country, Track and Field, Football, and Basketball Teams, and he continued his running career long after high school ended, even completing a Boston Marathon. He was also the recipient of the St. Mary’s “Hustle Award,” which honored the athlete who put in the time and effort to better their respective program in any and all ways possible.
Jerry was a fixture around St. Mary’s during his time at the school, serving as a homeroom representative, member of the National Honor Society, and captain of the Track Team. His days at 142 Laverack Avenue provided him with a great foundation to go on to earn a BS in Petroleum Engineering with a minor in geology and hydrology. Jerry then went on to build a 36-year career in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Thailand, and Indonesia in on-shore and off-shore oil and gas properties. Jerry worked for Chevron where he received the Chairman’s Award, presented technical papers on overboard water handling design to prevent oil slicks, co-authored a paper that was presented to the United Nations on reusing abandoned platforms, and was credited with the discovery and development of both on-shore and off-shore oil and gas fields.
It is because of the foundation he received at St. Mary’s that Jerry is investing back into the school through The Putting Others First Scholarship Fund. After being diagnosed with cancer, Jerry feels a sense of urgency to now give back to this great school, so it can continue to shape young men and women like it has for the past 120 years.
If you were a classmate of Jerry’s or feel like you too can relate to his story, please consider contributing to The Putting Others First Scholarship Fund. There is no greater legacy than helping a young person afford the best education possible – one that will nourish their body, mind, and spirit. YOU can make that difference today.
Thank you, Jerry, and thank you, Lancers.
