Joshua Rales, President and Trustee of the Norman R.

"We are proud to recognize the hard work and achievements of these exceptional young people, carrying forward my parents’ values in the community where we grew up,” said Joshua Rales, President and Trustee of the Norman R. and Ruth Rales Foundation. “It is a further privilege to honor the legacy of Pat O’Neill, a tireless champion of educational opportunity in Montgomery County, with the 2024 Rales-O’Neill class. We hope this scholarship will play a small role in inspiring and supporting these students as they pursue their goals and aspirations in the next chapter of their academic journey."

James O’Neill, Pat’s husband, adds, “The O’Neill and Baier families wish to express their thanks for this wonderful scholarship opportunity provided by the Rales Foundation and the invaluable work of the MCPS Educational Foundation and to congratulate all of our student recipients.  Pat would be so humbled at being included with the Rales family in the naming of this scholarship and so proud of our MCPS student recipients whose commitment to education, community and public service reflects the very values Pat stood for.“ 

“This valuable scholarship will help provide the means for students to pursue their goals and chase their dreams, which is exactly aligned with MCPS’ effort to ensure an excellent education for all students,” said MCPS Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monique Felder. “I know these young adults will go on to achieve incredible things. Thank you for your generous and continued support of our students and their futures.”