This is my first year in Mrs. J's newspaper class, but since I have been at Creek for four years- I have heard Ray's story many times. Each time I hear it I am deeply touched by the courage that a young man could have. The ability of someone to go to a foreign land and fight for our country amazes me and I will never forget Ray and what he did. As the third anniversary of his death was yesterday, I would like you to know that he has not been forgotten and students here at Creek, including myself, continue to admire Ray and all that he did for our freedom.
I have been in Mrs.J's class now for 3 years in a row and there is never a day that we go without hearing some sort of amazing story about Ray. The stories that she tells are so moving to me and even though i have never met him personally i feel like i am very close to him...Because of Ray and other mentors i have decided to go in to Seaborne Challenage Corps and then from there go into the AirForce.
Ray was a beautiful man and i really respect him for what he has done for our country. It is not everyday somebody desides to deticate theirselves for our freedom, and Ray has done that. Im so sorry for your loss. Looking at the many pictures i can see that Ray was a very lovable person and must have been a joy to have around. I wish your family luck in everything. HAPPY HOLIDAYS, and thanks.
To me, the Ray Scholarship is by far one of the greatest honors I have received in my life. I remember when I first heard about the scholarship and about who Ray was and what he had accomplished in his short life, I was shocked to see how much Ray had impacted other’s lives. Ms. Jameson would constantly talk about his goofy sense of humor and charm that would win over every single person he came in contact with. Throughout my years on the Hilife staff, I tried to make the same impression on people that Ray did.
I am so honored to be one of the winners of this scholarship because Ray’s scholarship is more than just a monetary award. Sure, I would not have been able to attend the University of Missouri in the fall without the help of the scholarship, but this scholarship is a way to remember one of the greatest young men who Clear Creek and League City have ever seen.
I remember how nervous I was at the Senior Awards banquet right before they announced the winners of the scholarship. My heart was pounding and I could barely think straight, and when my name was called I nearly passed out. That was one of my proudest moments because this scholarship will not only help me pay for school, it is a chance for me to carry on Ray’s name and to teach others about this great young man. Every where I go from now on, I will try to pass on the tale of Ray’s bravery and sense of pride he had in his country and in those he knew.
Ray Joseph Hutchison, I thank God that my son Joseph R Leonard served with this fine young man and that he was a friend to my son. Young men like Ray Joseph dont come along in this life often. It takes quite a person to be a soldier, but to be a soldier for Christ is somthing else. I spoke to his parents tonight and what a blessing it was to be able to hear more about this wonderful man. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson for your time tonight and I look forward to letting everyone know about your son. God Bless you both. Tommy Sr.
I remember Ray from pre school, Creative Corners at the Methodist chuch, he and my son Brandon attended together, they remind me alot of each other, both with that blond hair and big smiles, I will always see Ray's big smile. My thoughts and prayers will always be with him and his family.
Guest Anne Brown wrote:
Friday, April 15, 2005 - 8:23 AM
I didn't know Ray personally but from what all Mrs. Jameson has told us, I know that he was a great person.
Ray's story is such an inspiration. I never really knew how much one person can impact someone elses life until Mrs. J told us about Ray. His story has caused much grief, but that grief has spurred some great things. Ray's story has helped me value life, and always live like today is my last day. He's inspire many people to do things that they thought they couldn't do, and I am one. I know you must be so proud of him because he has, is, and will always make a difference. If ever you get sad, just think of how much good Ray has done, and still has yet to do.
Guest Katie wrote:
Thursday, April 14, 2005 - 9:37 AM
Every day when I walk into Mrs. J's 3rd period class, the first thing I see is the big picture of Ray's big smile and his jacket hanging next to the American flag. I catch myself staring at his picture from time to time imagining what it must have been like. I never met Ray Joseph but I feel like I did. It makes me sad that I never met him because I feel like I missed out on knowing such a wonderful person. I know Ray Joseph is smiling down on us every day, and he is someone's guardian angel. That person is very lucky.
Well i don't know Ray that much, but it feels like i have known him all my life because all we do in Mrs. jameson's class is talk alot about Ray like he is still here. but then again he is still here, he is still here in all of our hearts and will always be in our hearts no matter what. Thanx for raising an angel to be there for us. now that you have raised an angel for us to be by our sides to help and protect us we our going to become your angels and help you and protect you from your problems you and your family. we love you all. Love Alwayz, Kristy Flores
I have heard so much about Ray this year in Mrs. J's first period class, but seeing all these pictures and knowing how much he has affected so many people's lives just reassures it all. It is very true that heros never leave, they live on in the memories and lives of others.
Thank you to the family of such a monumental sacrifice, their beloved son. thanks and a million blessings and prayers to all. What an endearing angel you all have now and forever. THANK YOU RAY
Guest Anonymous wrote:
Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 11:43 AM
I didnt know Ray personally but I feel as though i have known him all of my life. I look at these pictures and I feel so connected with him and all of his family. I can see he was a wonderful person, and his smile was truly warming. Luckily, for those who never knew Ray, there are people who care so much who are constantly reminding everyone of how wonderful of a person that Ray was. I feel truly blessed to have him as part of my life now. While I was looking at the pictures I was so emotionally overwhlemed by all of the love radiating from him and those around him, I actually got chills while looking at some of them. I do have to say that the "baby ray and love of mother" picture was my favorite. I want all of Ray's family and friends to know that I am constantly reminded of all that Ray did, and thinking about the sacrafice that he made to all of those who didnt even know him, he has touched many lives and will continue to. Ray Joseph will always be remembered! Rachel Keith(sorry, it went anonymous when I fixed your spelling error like you asked-mrsj)
Guest Feara Smith wrote:
Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 11:41 AM
Like most kids who have signed this, i didnt know Ray Joseph personally. I've never shoke his hand, I've never heard his voice, I dont even know how tall he is, but i do know one thing...he was a wonderful person. I think its so funny how u never know a person but can just look at them and tell how great they are, thats how it is with Ray. He was different, he was special and i dont think that just because thats what I've heard, and I've heard it alot, but i look at his pictures and see his smile and something just tells me he was one of the good ones. He was sent here to do great things, and i believe that he did them, I dont know him from a stranger on the street but i believe that whole heartedly. It sucks that he'll never know how much he impacted not only my life, but the lives of soo many people, young and old. i think it would blow his mind to know how much he is loved all around the world...it's almost like he's a celebrity, who wouldnt want that..lol...To Mrs. Hutchinson: I'd like to personally thank you for showing me that even in the worst situations and when the most devestating things happen to you, you can bring soo much good out of it, and i think u truely have. I thank you for showing me that when someone you love is gone instead of mourning their death, praise their life. I honestly believe that Ray is in a better place and I ask that when ever u talk to him...in your dreams or in your prayers...would u just tell him that i said THANK YOU not only for being a great soldier, but an even greater person. He came, he lived, he loved, he conquered!!! Thanks Ray!!!!
Ray ...... i never really knew Ray although from the amazing story's and pictures of him i can tell you i would have loved to hung out with him. He seemed happy all the time and full of energy. i have learned many valuable lessons in my 15 years on earth but ray has taught me one of the more valuable ones he has taught me to live like there is no tommorow don't worry about what mistakes you made just keep on going and if you say before i die i am going to eat a bug by golly go out side find a crunchy one and eat it. He showed me that life is to short to waste and to enjoy every minute of it and he made the ultimate sacrifice by going and fighting for our country and for that " Ray i salute you." to the person who did this website thanks for posting memory's of Ray highlights in life. And to mr and mrs hutchinson i am deeply deeply sorry i can not imagine the pain that you with hold inside also to his brother, like i said earlier i don't know ray but it would have been cool to grow up with a brother like that and i think iknow he would want you to remember him but continue your quest in life until the day ya'll are reunited.
like many people on this site i disnt know Ray personally, but my sister brenna told me alot about him. they were in journalism together in high school, and all i ever heard about him was good. its great to know that he's still remembered by his friends, and it also humbles us to know that he had no regrets, and never a single doubt.
Well where do I start? First i want to apologize because my spelling is not very good but oh well...... Well there are many great things to say about Ray, even though i never had the oppotunity to meet him yet he impacted my life by the sacrifice he made for this country, he taugth me to appreciate even more this country in all different ways, he inspired me to love this country and encourage that love, he also gave me hope to belive that there are awesome, selfless people out here just like him. Mrs Hutchinson I know that i will never know the hurting feeling you have, and i know that everything i say will not bring him back , but dont be sad for he pased away doing what he loved and i belive he did not die i think he woke up from a dream were there was caos and not very nice things into a world of everlasting love, joy and laughter which it was all he was about. Well i guess i will not take anymore of your time. Bye and God Bless Love Michele Salas