06/06/2010--The 2010 MSUSBC Scholarship Awards were presented during the Showcase Gala, held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Jefferson City, MO on the evening of June 5, 2010.

2010 Scholarship Photo Gallery

Each year, with appropriate applicants, the Missouri State USBC awards four $1,000 Scholarships to deserving student athletes in our state.  The Carolyn Gilbert Scholarship for Higher Education recognizes young bowlers who have graduated from high school and want to continue (or are continuing) their education. Applicants must be currently enrolled in 12th grade or in a college, trade school, or tech school.  This 2010 awardees are Kayci Fadler and Michael Rieger.

Kayci Fadler, from Hallsville, MO, is a 2010 graduate of Hallsville High School.  At the time of application, her GPA was 3.835.  She's a member of the Columbia USBC, and has been bowling for over 13 years.

Kayci has earned a number of Scholastic Honors, including the Hallsville Chapter National Honor Society for the last two years.  She's been on the Honor roll every semester of her High School career.  Involved in FBLA, FCCLA, Choir, and Student Council, Kayci has kept herself very busy outside of bowling, which she also loves.  She raises money for the Children's Miracle Network, volunteers at the Food Bank and Humane Society, and for the Shriners' Hospitals for Children.

Kayci has overcome a disability with a very positive attitude, and sees this scholarship as a way to help her towards her goal of a degree in Zoology/Wildlife Biology/Marine Biology at Northwest Missouri State University.

Michael Rieger graduated from Oak Park High School this year as well.  He was President of National Honor Society in 2009-2010, and an AP Scholar.  He earned a Gold Medallion (Honors Diploma) at graduation.  He has been very involved in community activities, as well as Athletics and other extra-curriculars, including theater.

Michael was a member of the Missouri State High School Champion Oak Park Northmen in 2009, and the 2009 Teen Masters Regional Champion in Wichita, KS.  In 2009, Bowlers Journal Magazine included him on the list of Top High School Prospects.  He was named to the Missouri State High School All Star Team.  He partnered with a Special Olympian in the 2009 Teen Masters Special Olympics Nevada United Challenge, and together they won a Silver medal.

Last August, Michael's father passed away unexpectedly, and he was always available to help in every activity Michael pursued.  This scholarship will help replace funds that had to be re-allocated for other expenses, and help finance an education that will be the basis of his success for the rest of his life.  He'll be attending Missouri State University in Springfield in the fall.

The Don Rohman Male Youth Bowler of the Year Award recognizes outstanding bowling, academics, leadership and community service by amateur male youth bowlers in Missouri.  This year's recipient is David Rohlmann from St. Louis, MO.

David will be a senior at Oakville High School next year, and has a GPA of 3.496.  He's taking all honors and college level courses to prepare him for the next step in his education.  David's leadership was exemplified when he enrolled in Oakville and found that they had no bowling program.  He took the initiative to find out what it would take for a club progam, and was primarily responsible in developing that program.  Oakville finished 3rd in this year's Missouri BPA State High School Championships.  David was named to the first ever Missouri State High School All-Star Team in 2009.

His work in the community includes the Brentwood Optimist Club and West County Kiwanis, as well as his involvement in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Oakville High School.  David also serves on the St. Louis USBC and Missouri State USBC Board of Directors, and on the Youth Committees for each association.

The Dorothy Johnson Female Youth Bowler of the Year recognizes female bowlers currently enrolled in 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, and participating in USBC Youth League play.  She would have been proud of Sophia Mullineaux, this year's awardee.

Sophia is from St. Louis, MO.  She's shown outstanding ability academically throughout High School, with a 3.89 GPA and a 12/352 class ranking.  She's been the outstanding student in English, Chemistry, and Business Departments, as well as Honor Roll every quarter and perfect attendance from the start.

Her success in extra-curricular activities shows her interest in business and marketing, where she plans to focus in her under-graduate studies.  She's qualified at the District, State, and International levels in DECA in 2008 and 2009, and at the District and State levels for FBLA in the same years.  Sophia was an Academic All American in the National Forensic League in 2010, and has served over 225 community service hours in the A+ Program.

Let's not forget about bowling, where she's grown over the years as well.  Former coach Tom Dawson said "If she wasn't the best bowler on the team, I bet she was the most enthusiastic."  She's improved steadily, always learning, and is always involved.  She served on the St. Louis Board of Directors representing youth bowlers for two years.

The Missouri USBC offers these four scholarships every year, and typically the deadline is in the late fall, although it has been extended to February the last couple of years.  Applications are always available on MOUSBC.org.

Congratulations to all of our 2010 Missouri State USBC Scholarship Recipients!