Thanks to the Ryan Johnson, Ph.D., Endowed Scholarship and the support of his family and Montgomery County Community College’s faculty, William Drewes is on his way to earn his bachelor’s degree at Temple University.

Like many students, William Drewes was uncertain about what he wanted to do when he graduated from high school. He tried working as a house painter, but he quickly realized that wasn’t the career for him.

Instead, he changed directions and decided to try Montgomery County Community College. Montco was close to where he lived in Lansdale with his grandmother and great-grandparents, and he felt comfortable on the campus when he visited it. Since he helped to care for his family, he wanted to attend a college that was nearby.

“I’ve always been interested in history,” said William Drewes, who enjoys Greek and Roman myths and reading the histories. “I remember learning about the holocaust in fifth grade, and I couldn’t fathom how such a horrible thing could happen, and I wanted to learn more about it.”

Following this direction, Drewes earned his associate’s degree at Montco, and he is continuing his education at Temple University, majoring in history.

He is considering a career as an archivist, although, at this point, he wants to keep his options open.

As William Drewes packs his belongings to move to Philadelphia, Drewes is grateful for the Ryan Johnson, Ph.D., Endowed Scholarship that is helping him take this next step in his educational journey.

Dr. Ryan Johnson was a beloved professor of history at Montco’s Pottstown Campus who passed away in 2013 at the young age of 32 years. He was a dedicated educator with a passion for history and a strong belief in the importance of higher education and lifelong learning.

In honor of his love for history and devotion to education, his family and friends established the endowed scholarship. This prestigious award is given to a graduating student who has displayed academic excellence, a passion for history, commitment to ongoing education and resilience in overcoming obstacles.

“(History Assistant) Professor Douglass Powell told me about the scholarship, and it will help a lot,” said Drewes, who appreciates the financial support that will allow him to complete his next degree.

In the years since he graduated from North Penn High School in 2016 and worked as a painter, Drewes now has a clear picture of his future with a pathway to achieve it, thanks to his supportive family, Montco faculty and the Ryan Johnson, Ph.D., Endowed Scholarship.