SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
Awarded by the children of Mary Ruth Bowman

Frank, Herb and Robert Bowman honor their mother, Mary Ruth Bowman, with this scholarship.  Born in the Panama Canal Zone for the Second World War, the young Mary Ruth discovered a passion for athletics that has lasted her entire life.  Considered a tomboy by her family and friends, Mary Ruth sometimes found herself participating as the only girl in sports customarily enjoyed by boys.  At age 16, she enrolled in nursing school in Brooklyn, NY, later completing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health in North Carolina.  She earned a teaching credential in Health Education and PE from Fort Lewis College. 

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After moving to Durango in 1959, Mrs. Bowman taught tennis and swimming to children and adults;  she also developed and taught in the first health education program offered by the 9-R School District.  Mrs. Bowman was instrumental in the school district’s realization of Title 9 requirements for equal opportunity athletics and true to her lifelong commitment to the interconnection between health and sports.  She served on one of her first Boards of Directors promoting the development of the Durango Recreation Center.  The athletes of Durango owe a lot to Mary Ruth Bowman. 

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SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
Award Amount: $1,000 to student’s school of choice

Selection: Recipients will be selected by the DEF Scholarship Committee, in conjunction with the Bowman Family and DHS Swim Coach​

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ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

This award will be made to a Durango High School senior male who swims for the Durango High School team and demonstrates qualities of sportsmanship, leadership, and improved swimming ability.
 

 

INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

1. A COMPLETE APPLICATION

2. Academic Transcript: 3.0 minimum GPA

   • ​A complete senior transcript showing sustained GPA may be required before the award is remitted to the student’s choice of college.

3. Statement of Financial Need​

   • Please share anything about your family financial situation and/or your financial situation that will help us understand your need for college scholarship assistance. (approximately 250 words)​

4. TWO Letters of Recommendation from the following:

5. Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from the following: 

   • LOR #1: From an unrelated person speaking to your qualities outlined in “Eligibility and Requirements”

   • LOR #2: Applicant’s Swim Coach

6. #1 College and Career Essay:

   • What are your education and career goals? What makes you passionate about this future path? What have you done, so far, to pursue these future goals? What will you be doing 1 and 5 years after college graduation? (600 words maximum)