Luke Staley, a 2016 graduate of Linganore High School, earned a degree in political science from Hood College in 2021. He credits The W. Meredith S. Young and Helen B. Young Scholarship Fund for making his college journey possible.
“It is no exaggeration to say the scholarships I received from the Community Foundation made my post-secondary education goals possible,” Luke said.
Following graduation, Luke stepped directly into the nonprofit world—a path he hadn’t originally envisioned. He began working full-time with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), where he now serves as the Area Representative for Central Frederick.
“This was not at all what I thought I’d be doing, but God had different plans than mine—and I’m so glad He did,” Luke said. “My entire job is dedicated to serving people in our community, and there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.”
During the school year, Luke works closely with student-athletes and coaches at Frederick and Governor Thomas Johnson high schools, as well as at Hood College, helping them connect sports with faith through FCA clubs. In the summer, he shifts his focus to sports ministry camps, including the FCA American Sign Language Sports Camp for deaf athletes and the Frederick FCA Power Camp, which draws more than 300 middle schoolers each year.
Luke plans to continue serving the Frederick City community through FCA for the foreseeable future.
“I love this community, and I feel truly called to this work,” he said.
This article was featured in the Community Foundation’s fiscal year 2025 Annual Report.