Pictured left to right: Jason McLeod, Rachel Stephens, Cole Bosson, Ana Groff.

Winter Park, Aug. 9: The annual Charles M. Rowson, Jr. Scholarships were given to four deserving 2009 senior runners.  The recipients are selected by the Orlando Runners Club Scholarship Committee based upon their academic achievements, athletic abilities, school and community involvement and financial need. Athletes selected for this honor are as follows. 

Ana Groff

• Graduate of  Winter Park High School, plans to attend the University of Connecticut with athletic scholarship and run on the track team
• Two years cross country and 4 years track  (varsity)
• FHSAA State Track and Field Finals—3 times 2nd place 800m, 3 school records (800m, 4x400, 4x800), on all-time list for 200m and 400m , and FHSAA State Cross Country Finals—2 times 5th place
• PB are:  800m: 2:11 and 400m: 55 sec
• Community activities include Sunday school teacher, volunteering for Ronald McDonald House, Boys & Girls Club, Home Sweet Homeless, and mission trips for Church
• Ana was in the IB program and valedictorian, and a member of National, Spanish, English and Math Honor Societies

Cole Bosson

• Graduate of Trinity Preparatory School, plans to attend Duke University, and walk on for the cross country and track teams
• Three years cross county and 2 years track (Captain CC Jr year and track both years )
• In cross country placed at State Championship Meets all 3 years; In track 800m and 1600 m Regional Qualifier in 2008, and Relay Individual Champion at State Finals Meet 4x800m in 2008 and 2009
• PB are: 16:34 5K, 2:02 for 800m, 4:41 for 1600m, and 8:09 4x800m relay, and 1:24:55 for OUC half marathon
• Community activities include Boy Scouts, (Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow, & Jr Asst. Scoutmaster), Camp Arrowhead for Boys , and Shakespeare for Kids fencing instructor
• Cole was a member of National Honor Society, Headmaster’s list, Honor Roll, Duke TIP program, and school yearbook co-editor in chief

Jason McLeod

• Graduate of Circle Christian School (CCS), will attend Bryan College on athletic & academic scholarships, and run for the cross country and track teams
• Four years varsity cross county and three years varsity track
• In cross country MVP 3 years, 1st in district & region in 2008, and state qualifier 2 years; In track MVP 1 year, 3rd place at State in 1600m in 2009 & 4^th place at State in 3200m, and state qualifier 2 years
• PB/SR are: 1:29.70 for 600m,  4:27.50 for 1600m, 9:50.44 for 3200m, 16:00.69 for 5000m, & 8:19.44 4x800m relay anchor
• Awards include 2009 Centurion of the Year, FIAAA Mandy Stoll Scholar Athlete Award, FIAAA Sportsmanship Award, FACA Senior Cross Country All-Star, Florida Elite runner in 1600m & US Elite runner in 5K
• Community activities include Mission to the World, church youth leadership, and volunteer activities
• Jason is a member of  Phi Theta Kappa, International Honor Society for two-year colleges, and National Association of High School Scholars

Rachel Stephens

• Graduate of Wekiva High School, plans to attend University of Florida and continue running races and intramurals
• 2  years cross county and track, and captain women’s lacrosse team Sr year
• 2009 Regional cross country meet—1st team from school to qualify,  letter in cross country, and female US Army Reserve Scholar/Athlete Award for Wekiva High
• PB are: 7:11 for 1600m and 27:11 for 5K
• Community activities include volunteer work through church and honor societies, Christmas Child, and Relay for Life
• Rachel was valedictorian, Vice President of Beta Club, and a member of National Honor Society, and Tri M (Music Honor Society)

The Charles M. Rowson, Jr. Memorial Scholarship was established in 1983 by the Orlando Runners Club in memory of one of our members, “Chuck” Rowson, who died unexpectedly at age 29.  The first two scholarships totaling $500 were presented in 1987; the ORC has provided scholarships each year since to local high school athletes, now providing a total of $4,000 annually for up to four students.  The Charles M. Rowson, Jr. Scholarship has become recognized as one of Central Florida’s most prestigious awards given to graduating seniors with an interest in running.  ORC has awarded 76 college scholarships to high school graduates since 1987.    

Scholarship applicants are reviewed based on the following criteria: 

• Must be graduating from public or private Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake or Volusia County high school
• Must be a runner on their school's track or cross-country team
• Must be accepted at a 2 or 4-year college and enrolling in the fall
• Must have a letter of recommendation from their cross country or track coach
• Must have a letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor
• Must complete an application form and submit by the application deadline

The Orlando Runners Club (ORC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting long distance running as a competitive sport and as healthful exercise.