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

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Application Cycle: November 15 - February 15
Deadline to Submit: February 15 by 11:59 PM
Award Amount: $1,200 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.

GPA Minimum: 3.0

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications are by electronic submission only via the link provided below. If you do not have access to a computer, please inform your High School Counselor or Educator. To ensure a complete application, please carefully read through the outlined details:

Components of the application include:
-All student information (i.e. name, contact information, GPA, intended colleges, etc.);
-Current transcript including senior year mid-term grades. Complete senior transcript showing a sustained minimum 3.0 GPA may be required before scholarship is funded to college;
-Letter of Interest stating qualification for award and intentions for college;
-Two (2) Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from one (1) unrelated party and one (1) from the DHS Swim Coach.