Ralstin-Taylor Scholarship Program

SUPPORTING EDUCATION IN OUR COMMUNITY

About the Scholarship

The Ralstin-Taylor Scholarship is awarded annually to deserving students who demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and a genuine interest in learning about Freemasonry.

Our Story

In 2020, Brother Anthony Mudd established the Ralstin-Taylor Scholarship to honor the memory of two beloved family members: his mother, Karen Marie Taylor, who passed in mid-2019, and his step-grandfather, Donald E. "Gene" Ralstin, a 33rd Degree Mason, who passed in late 2018.

During a time of transition for the family, Anthony, his sister, and mother needed a place to stay. Gene and his wife naturally opened their home with open arms. It was during this time that the characteristics of an honorable Master Mason became obvious to the family.

As the family aged, Karen became close to Gene in the final stages of his life. She shared with her family how his good character and the Free and Accepted Masonic Fraternity had influenced Gene as a person. Karen passed away just six months after Gene.

This scholarship program was created to honor both of their lives and to enlighten students about the Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons.

2020

Year Established

$1,500

Total Awarded

3

Students Helped

Apply Now

Important Dates - 2026-2027 School Year

Application Opens: September 1, 2026
Application Deadline: March 1, 2027
Winners Announced: May 1, 2027
Award Presentation: School Ceremony
Applications are accepted each school year from September 1 through March 1. The review process takes approximately 3 weeks.
Scholarship Award

Annual Award

$500

Scholarship funds are paid directly to the student's educational institution and can be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Students working towards an undergraduate degree
  • Resident of St. Joseph County or neighboring Indiana counties (Elkhart, Marshall, LaPorte, Starke, Kosciusko)
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0
  • Demonstrated community involvement
  • Planning to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school
  • Full-time or part-time enrollment accepted
No Masonic affiliation required — this scholarship is open to all eligible students.
Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

Essay Quality 75%
Community Involvement 15%
Academic Achievement 10%

Application Requirements

Required Materials:
  1. Completed online application form
  2. Official or unofficial high school or college transcript (PDF)
  3. Essay (500 words) on a Freemasonry-related topic (PDF)
  4. At least one letter of recommendation (from teachers, employers, community leaders, or Masons)

The form also asks, optionally, for your school activities and community service, and for any family connection to a Masonic Lodge.

Essay Topics

Write a 500-word essay from your research relating to what you have learned about the Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons. Choose from these topic areas:

Historical & Organizational
  • The origins and evolution of Freemasonry
  • How Freemasonry has influenced civic institutions
  • A notable Freemason and their impact
Values & Personal Growth
  • The meaning of Masonic virtues (Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth)
  • The role of symbolism in Freemasonry
  • Masonic teachings about self-improvement
Community Service & Impact
  • How Masonic Lodges contribute to community development
  • Masonic charities and their impact
  • Famous Masonic buildings or structures
Modern Relevance
  • Common misconceptions about Freemasonry
  • How Masonic values align with modern challenges
  • What Freemasonry's persistence reveals about society
Tip: We encourage applicants to explore reputable sources, speak with knowledgeable individuals, and demonstrate curiosity and genuine engagement with the topic.
How to Apply:
  1. Complete the online application form
  2. Upload your transcript and essay as PDF files
  3. Review and submit your application
  4. You will receive a confirmation email with your Application ID
Start Your Application

Application Tips

  • Start early - don't wait until the deadline
  • Proofread your essay multiple times
  • Request letters of recommendation well in advance
  • Be specific about your achievements and goals
  • Follow all instructions carefully
  • Submit a complete application - incomplete applications will not be considered

Past Recipients

School Year Recipient School
2025-2026Award Not Announced Yet
2024-2025No Award Given

Past recipient information will be added once verified. If you are a past recipient and would like to be featured, please contact the Scholarship Committee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students working towards an undergraduate degree who are residents of St. Joseph County or neighboring Indiana counties (Elkhart, Marshall, LaPorte, Starke, Kosciusko) with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Applicants must be planning to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school. Both full-time and part-time students are eligible.

No. The Ralstin-Taylor Scholarship is open to all eligible students regardless of Masonic affiliation. You do not need to be a Mason or have family members who are Masons to apply.

Yes! The scholarship is renewable. Eligible students may apply each year they meet the eligibility requirements using the same application process. If reapplying, you are encouraged to expand on your original essay or choose a new topic to demonstrate continued growth and engagement.

Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee based on: Essay Quality (75%) - demonstrating depth of research, clarity of thought, and original insights; Community Involvement (15%) - evidence of service and civic engagement; and Academic Achievement (10%) - GPA and educational accomplishments.

Your 500-word essay should relate to what you have learned about the Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons. Topics can include Masonic history, famous Masons, Masonic charities, buildings or structures, values and symbolism, or community impact. We encourage original research and genuine engagement with the topic.

Yes. At least one letter of recommendation is required. Letters can be from teachers, employers, community leaders, or Masons who can speak to your character and achievements.

Scholarship funds are paid directly to the student's educational institution. The $500 award can be used for tuition, books, tools, housing, or meal programs at your college, university, or trade school.

Applications are accepted each school year from September 1st through March 1st of the following year. For example, the 2025-2026 application period runs from September 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026. Winners are announced by May 1st. The review process takes approximately 3 weeks. Winners are notified by email or phone, while non-selected applicants receive notification by mail and are encouraged to apply the following year.

The scholarship award is typically presented at the recipient's school ceremony, allowing family, friends, and educators to celebrate the achievement together.

Questions About the Scholarship?

For more information about the Ralstin-Taylor Scholarship, application materials, or the selection process, please contact our Scholarship Committee.

Committee Chair: Thomas Dolly, PM

Email: scholarship@counciloak745.org

Contact Us