Christalyn Janee Frison Named 2007 Recipient of Vincent Hynson Scholarship at Washington College

Chestertown, MD, June 1, 2007 — Christalyn Janee Frison—a Kent County High School senior from Still Pond and daughter of the Rev. Leon and Karen A. Frison—has been selected as the second recipient of the Kent County Vincent Hynson '87 Scholarship Award.

Established last year in honor of the late Rev. Vincent Hynson, a Washington College alumnus and community leader who passed away in 2004, the scholarship will meet 100 percent of Frison's annual educational expenses—tuition, room, board and book costs—not met by federal and state need-based grants.

The Hynson Scholarship is offered to an entering freshman who is a graduate of a secondary school in Kent County, who demonstrates financial need, and whose achievements and aspirations most closely emulate the values of Hynson, who led an exemplary life as a teacher, coach, pastor and leader in the Kent County community.

Hynson, a graduate of Kent County High School, attended Washington College as a non-traditional student, receiving a degree in history in 1987.

Washington College President Baird Tipson was instrumental in creating the scholarship, donating $10,000 out of his own salary to initiate the award, and increasing that support this year. The scholarship also is supported by a lead gift from the Indian Point Foundation and gifts from some 500 community members.

"Being selected as the Vincent Hynson Scholar is a tremendous blessing to me and my family," said Frison upon learning that she had been awarded the scholarship. "Vincent Hynson was actually a distant cousin and close family friend, so it's flattering to be considered a reflection of his values. I hope that I can continue to be even a shadow of the role model that he was."

"I've had the honor of knowing Christa and her entire family for the last 10 years," said Julie Gerding, Frison's high school counselor. "In addition to having a great sense of humor and amazing personality, she has contributed so much to her school, the community and her church. She embraces the true spirit of what Vincent Hynson stood for, and Vincent would be happy knowing that Christa received this scholarship in his name."