THE
RAYMOND ARTHUR METZGER
LEGACY PROJECT
About the Raymond Arthur Metzger legacy project
Raymond Metzger loved adventure and helping others. When he lost his battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in 2020, his family created the Strawberry scholarship to help high school students with their next chapter after graduation. As of 2026, it grew to be a nonprofit in order to have a bigger impact. Through the Raymond Metzger Legacy project, we hope to help those who might be struggling, raise awareness, and keep Ray’s memory alive.
With this fundraiser we hope to provide individuals who are seeking a career in mental health with a scholarship. We want to support the educational journey of our future mental health providers and aid in the journey to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. Our goal is to ultimately help those struggling with their mental health by breaking the stigma and encouraging them to seek out treatment.
Advance Tomorrow Through Today's Gift
Every dollar strengthens our capacity to provide aid to those seeking a career in the mental health industry.
Raymond Metzger knew how to make any experience a meaningful one and inspired those around him to enjoy life and make lasting memories.
After high school, Raymond attended Marion Military Institute to become an officer in the army. He finished his degree at Eastern Illinois University. After graduating, Ray served in the army for eight years. During that time, he was promoted to captain in the 10th Mountain
About ray
Infantry Division, achieved many accomplishments, and was awarded numerous medals, such as the Bronze Star. When he came home from his deployments overseas, Ray's sense of adventure took hold and he moved to Arizona where he got a job at the Grand Canyon, while there, he hiked the Canyon from rim to rim to rim. Ray always valued school and education and decided to go back to college to study pre-med at Northwestern University. He went to work at Advocate Christ Hospital in the Adult Surgical Intensive Care unit caring for cardiac patients. Then the adventure bug struck again and he moved to Colorado and joined the crew at REI.
Ray was the oldest of 5 kids and the uncle to 7 nieces and nephews. He loved his family and never missed a birthday, whether that was in person or by sending a card. Ray always celebrated your accomplishments and was as excited for them as you were.
On February 18, 2020, Ray lost his battle with post traumatic stress disorder. Ray has left, but with this scholarship, he will now continue to leave a lasting and valuable impact on the Oak Lawn Theatre and Speech programs and the lives of its students.
the team
Laura Metzger - Board President
Raymond F. Metzger - Board Vice President
Rose Metzger - Board Secretary & Director of Marketing
Celine Farrar - Board Treasurer
Anna Metzger - Program Director
Board Members
Gabi Arianoutsos
JD Farrar
Tommy Arianoutsos
raymond metzger strawberry scholarship
In honor of Ray's memory and his love for theater and speech the Raymond Metzger Strawberry Scholarship was created. This scholarship will celebrate Ray's beliefs in Joy, Togetherness, and Life's Adventure and celebrate current members of the Oak Lawn Theater and Speech programs who value these same ideals. Our goal is to help these students pursue their next adventure. This scholarship is open to active seniors who participate in the Oak Lawn Theater and Speech program.