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Ryan Putman ’17 Awarded Prestigious Savignano Scholarship at Brown University

by Jamie Bryant, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications
 
Ryan Jameson Putman is a sophomore at Brown University and an alumnus from the Class of 2017. He came to CCES in 2013 and, in just a little over three years, founded the CCES Chess Club, became a star athlete on three teams, welcomed new students to campus as a Student Ambassador, successfully ran for Senior Class President, and was selected by 10th grade advisors and teachers to receive the Cavalier Spirit Award for most exemplifying school citizenship, involvement, and care for others. In 11th grade, faculty selected Ryan for the Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony Award for cultural sensitivity and social justice. He was chosen for the North South All Star Roster and All-State team for football in his senior year and won two individual awards, the Palmetto Champions Class AA Defensive Lineman of the Year and the Region Player of the Year.
 
Ryan once told me he didn’t find Brown— Brown University found him. That is saying a lot as the Ivy League university in Providence, Rhode Island is extremely selective, admitting only about 9% of applicants. At Brown, Ryan plays football for the Bears, is a Business Economics major, and a member of the Black in Business Club and the Sports Analytics Club. While Ryan admits that the Bears may not be winning “all that much,” he says that he is “super excited to turn this program around. I played a lot as a true sophomore and I’m looking forward to being a key part of this Brown Football defense, returning us back to the Brown Football of old.”
 
Just recently, Ryan was awarded the Savignano Scholarship, named after Ernest T. Savignano '42. Described as a man of leadership, integrity, ability, and warmth, Mr. Savignano was a varsity letterman in football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, and boxing. This scholarship was established in 1994 by his ’42 classmates, his former players, and his friends to memorialize him through the Brown University Scholarship Program. A new recipient is chosen each year, with preference given to academically qualified students who are exceptional leaders and are heavily involved in extra-curricular activities, particularly the sport of football.
 
Ryan says the scholarship took him by surprise. “It means a lot to me to know that others view my character as one that they wish to emulate. I’m honestly just trying to show my appreciation for being in this situation at this time in my life.”  In coming to Brown, change was inevitable. Growth, as the saying goes, was optional. “I’ve had so much growth since I’ve been at Brown, and I’ve been so blessed to be here. CCES really helped me learn how to buckle down when it was time. The time management skills I learned at CCES are now translating to college.” He says he learned lessons outside of the classroom as well. “CCES has excellent diversity for a school in Greenville, SC and that has helped me out a lot. Brown is one of the most diverse institutions of higher education in the world and experiencing these cultures is invaluable in life.”
 
As is often the case with CCES alumni, Ryan credits much of his success to his former teachers and coaches. “I would like to send a shout-out to my favorite 3 Women of Science, Dr. Vick (who was Mrs. Vick when she taught me Physics), Mama T (Mrs. Taylor), and Mrs. U (Unger - the best advisor out there). I can’t forget Coach Burford, Professora Kappel, Mrs. Waters, and Coach Frost. Last but definitely not least a very special shout-out to Donna Hayden and Ms. Ferguson. I love you all and I’m sorry I couldn’t mention everyone that made CCES a special place for me.”
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    • Ryan Putman's senior portrait

    • Ryan signs to play football for Brown University

    • Ryan poses at Brown Stadium

    • "I’m looking forward to being a key part of this Brown Football defense, returning us back to the Brown Football of old.”

Christ Church Episcopal School (“CCES”) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CCES. CCES does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship or other programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs and activities.