The Padres, in partnership with the Masons of California, announced the expansion of the Johnny Ritchey Scholarship Program. The program has been designed for high school seniors in San Diego County and provides an opportunity for deserving students to attend college with the help of scholarships.

To expand the program, the Padres and the Masons of California have teamed up with Reality Changers of San Diego. They will provide up to ten (10) $10,000 scholarships ($2,500 annually over four years) designed for students who have encountered and overcome significant personal adversities in their life, and through that, strengthened themselves in their pursuit of higher education.

Johnny Ritchey, who had been a catcher for the Padres in 1948 and 1949, broke the Pacific Coast League’s color barrier and became known as the “Jackie Robinson of the West Coast.” In honor of Ritchey and his legacy, the Padres and the Masons of California are expanding the Johnny Ritchey Scholarship Program to assist those who, like Ritchey, have overcome barriers for equal access to higher education.

Doug Ismail, President of the California Masonic Foundation, stated, “Honoring the achievements of Johnny Ritchey, by rewarding young people who have demonstrated grit, determination, and courage is what this scholarship is all about. We are thrilled to partner with two great teams - the Padres and Reality Changers - to make this happen for our community.”

Reality Changers of San Diego will identify and nominate pre-screened students affiliated with their organization to apply for the scholarships. Applications will be accepted exclusively online until February 28, 2023, at 4 pm PST. After reviewing all applications, the selection committee will invite finalists to participate in an interview with representatives of the Padres Foundation and local members of the Masons of California.

Tom Seidler, Padres Sr. Vice President of Community & Military Affairs, said, “We are proud to play an important role in helping first-generation students, through the Johnny Ritchey Scholarship, realize their dream of a college education. We thank Reality Changers and the Masons of California for coming together as part of this creative partnership to help local students.”

All selected recipients will attend an on-field pregame ceremony at Petco Park on April 17 to announce their selection.

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