The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy has announced that the 2026 Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Tyler Barksdale of Piscataway, New Jersey.

The Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship was established in 2012 in honor of the late 27-year-old Metuchen Branch YMCA swim coach and mentor, Ryan Marie Patterson.  The recipient must strive for excellence in academics, sports, or the arts.  In addition, they must demonstrate that they have made an impact in their community through volunteer work, a service project or other means, live by the golden rule, have influenced others in a positive way and advocated for others who are less fortunate.  The scholarship award of $2,000 can be used to fund the recipient’s higher education costs.  

At the beginning of June, Tyler graduated from Saint Peter's Prep in Jersey City with the Rev. Francis Shalloe Award for the graduate who best exemplifies loyalty, an outstanding spirit of service and personal development characterized in the phrase “A Man for Others.”  While attending St. Peter’s on a full academic scholarship, he excelled in academics, sports, and volunteerism.  He consistently maintained a better than 4.0 GPA, even with honors and AP courses, while also devoting himself to volunteering with the Big Brother Program, leading his school’s blood drive program, and founding the Sports Analytics Club.  He was the lead member of the Economics Club, served as his class’ Student Council Representative, and was the Student Leader of his school’s Diversity Board.  During his Senior year, he served as Captain of St. Peter’s Football Team, earning a starting position for both his Junior and Senior years.  His love of sports also led him to volunteer as an umpire and scoreboard operator for the Piscataway Recreation Department.  He describes himself as an avid reader and writer and will be spending his free time this summer working on two different children’s books he has under development.  He gives time as well to seniors in his community who need help with landscaping projects and snow removal, recognizing that the companionship provided is as valuable as the work.  The faculty at St. Peter’s Prep noted his strong sense of morality that guides how he approaches leadership, reflecting the insights of Booker T. Washington, whom Tyler admires for his hard work and commitment to uplifting the community.

In the fall, Tyler will be attending Rice University in Houston, Texas, with plans to major in Economics and pursue a career in Public Policy.  The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy is proud to support Tyler and his education and looks forward to hearing more in the coming years about all he has accomplished for himself and his community.

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About the YMCA

The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy is a charitable, nonprofit organization devoted to supporting individuals and families—regardless of age, income or background—in their quest to realize their full potential through programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each day we serve 20,000 YMCA members and 1,000 children in childcare in five communities throughout Middlesex County.  The YMCA of MEWSA has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcaofmewsa.org.