Our common
table Fund
Our Common Table Scholarship Fund is a donor advised fund managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation established to honor John Shields and the 20th anniversary of his founding Gertrude’s restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art. John is a champion of all things Chesapeake, the region’s seafood, agriculture, recreation, culture, and cuisine are unique and a decline in one area affects all the others.
This fund is part of John’s educational outreach and celebrates his legacy and commitment to Baltimore by helping individuals realize their dreams whether they are interested in farming, culinary arts, or hospitality management. To date, John has worked with CollegeBound to provide two Baltimore City public high school students each year with a two-year post-secondary culinary arts award of $3,000 and an opportunity to receive a paid internship at Gertrude’s. John can’t do this work alone and your donation will help support extending this fund to support other educational groups that are dedicated to helping conserve and restore our regional Chesapeake food economy.
Meet Our scholars
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Charity Conley
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Charity is a 2024 graduate of Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School. She is a 1st-year student attending Morgan State University, where she plans to double major in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts and minor in Law.
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Charity’s most outstanding achievement throughout her high school career was winning second place in a state-wide culinary competition! This was a memorable experience for Charity because it highlighted the hard work and long hours she dedicated to perfecting her skills. This fall, Charity looks forward to meeting new people and exploring new ideas in her field.
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Jaylin Gerald
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Jaylin is a 2023 graduate of Forest Park High School. He is a 1st year student attending Johnson & Wales University, where he plans to major in Culinary Arts. His proudest achievement from high school was being selected for a spring break trip to Spain and exploring the cuisine there!
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Jaylin spent this past summer working to save money for college and joined his local YMCA for a civil rights group trip to travel more. This year, Jaylin is looking forward to living in a new environment and learning new culinary skills at his college.
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TAVIAS BROWN
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Tavias is a 2023 graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. He is a 2nd-year student attending Virginia State University, where he plans to major in Hospitality Management.
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avias had a great first year on campus. He has made new connections and joined on-campus clubs and organizations. He is looking forward to learning more about hospitality this school year and beginning to network with professionals in this field.
Denajah dobbins
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Our Common Table Culinary Arts Scholarship and the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel Scholarship Recipient
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Denajah Dobbins is a 2022 graduate of Western High School. She is a 1st year student attending Howard Community College, where she plans to major in Culinary Arts. In high school, Denajah is most proud of her improvement in English class, and becoming comfortable with asking for help. She is excited to begin her college journey in order to deepen her passion for food and culinary arts!
Dejah ross
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Our Common Table Culinary Arts Scholarship and the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel Scholarship Recipient
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Dejah Ross is a 2022 graduate of Western High School and completed her final semester of high school with a 3.4 GPA. She is a 1st year student attending Johnson & Wales University, where she plans to major in Culinary Arts. In high school, Dejah participated in the Hip Hop Dance Team, tutored students at Our Lady of Victory School, and volunteered to serve food or supplies at a local homeless shelter. She is looking forward to meeting new people through college. Dejah’s long term dream is to own her own restaurant!
Joanna santos
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Our Common Table Culinary Arts Scholarship and the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel Scholarship Recipient.
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Jasmine is a 2020 graduate of Reginald F. Lewis High School. She is a 2nd year student attending Morgan State University, where she majors in Hospitality Management and maintains a 3.3 GPA. In college during the pandemic, Joanna struggled with online courses but built a strong community with her fellow classmates that motivated her to do well in all of her courses! She is looking forward to meeting her classmates in person and improving her time-management skills.
Devaughn Woods
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Our Common Table Culinary Arts Scholarship and the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel Scholarship Recipient.
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Devaughn is a 2021 graduate of Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School and completed his final semester of high school with a 3.6 GPA. He is a 1st year student attending the Culinary Institute of America, where he plans to major in Culinary Arts and minor in Hotel/Restaurant Management. Devaughn is most proud of maintaining a high GPA during his final year of high school, especially with the lack of motivation that he experienced from taking remote classes only. He is looking forward to networking with his peers and exploring his new campus in New York.
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Je'da peay
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Our Common Table Culinary Arts Scholarship and the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel Scholarship Recipient.
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Je’da is a 2021 graduate of Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School and completed her final semester of high school with a 3.4 GPA. She is a 1st year student attending Anne Arundel Community College, where she plans to major in Culinary Arts. In high school, Je’da is most proud of consistently making the Principle’s Honor Roll List every year! She is mostly looking forward to begin her classes, learn new skills, and receive her culinary certification. Je’da hopes to build professional connections both in and outside of the classroom!