05/15/2009
California Teen Earns $10,000 NWTF Scholarship
 Amanda Bowering |
HESPERIA, Calif.— Amanda Bowering has always reached for the stars. With help from the National Wild Turkey Federation's national scholarship, the outstanding Sultana High School senior just might get there.
Bowering was awarded the $10,000 NWTF national scholarship during Senior Night at Sultana High School, May 14, 2009. In addition to maintaining a 4.0 grade point average, Bowering volunteers her time helping those in her community, holds positions in many school organizations such as the National Honor Society and Key Club, and is an avid hunter. She also has received $250 local and $1,000 state scholarships from the NWTF.
"I'm so thankful for this scholarship," Bowering said after the ceremony. "I'm very excited right now, and I want the NWTF to know I'm extremely appreciative to have been chosen. This is really going to help further my education - thank you!"
Astronauts have always inspired Bowering, and she even attended an astronaut camp at the University of California- San Diego. Now, with assistance from the NWTF, Bowering will follow her dreams by attending Georgia Tech to major in aeronautic engineering.
Bowering attributes her love of the outdoors to her father, Daniel, who brought Amanda on a hunting trip when she was 11.
"My father proved to me that an appreciation for nature can open our eyes to a world that many people fail to recognize," Bowering said. "Where many families go on elaborate vacations to foreign lands and expensive places, Dad showed us how pitching a tent in the middle of nowhere can be just as fulfilling."
NWTF scholarships are set up to benefit youth with a commitment to conservation and preserving the hunting tradition, and recipients may pursue any type of degree they wish. The scholarship program is part of the NWTF's Five-Star program, making $500,000 available each year to graduating seniors throughout the U.S. by awarding more than 800 scholarships annually. To date, the NWTF has awarded nearly $3 million in scholarships overall.
"Amanda is a special young lady who is a winner in every sense of the word," said Christine Rolka, NWTF Education Director. "I know she will continue doing a great job representing the NWTF, just as she already has as a JAKES member for the past few years."
Bowering's high school guidance counselor, Kimberlee Falahee, added that Amanda knows no boundaries or barriers and works hard to achieve her goals.
"Amanda is a very determined young woman, an excellent scholar and a very well-rounded person," Falahee said. "We're extremely proud and excited that the NWTF has selected her for this scholarship."
Applicants for the scholarship are judged on their scholastic achievements, leadership abilities, community involvement and demonstrated commitment to conservation. The winners of the local chapter scholarship are then eligible for consideration of the state award and finally, state winners are elibigle for the NWTF's national scholarship of $10,000.
JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) is the NWTF's outreach program for youth 12 years old and younger. Xtreme JAKES is the NWTF's newest program for teens ages 13 to 17. Through local JAKES/Xtreme JAKES events held across the country, participants learn fun new ways to enjoy the outdoors.
