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Brownlee scholarship needs additional funding
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .George Brownlee Scholarship committee members Larry Saxton (left), Debbie Chick, Beverly Olson and Frank D'Apolito have a goal of $50,000 set for the scholarship fund. The scholarship was discontinued in 2004 and reinstated in 2009.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .As a fundraiser for the George Brownlee Scholarship Fund, engraved bricks are being sold that will be placed in the walkway leading to the Boardman High School's Sports Complex. The permanent additions are available for Boardman and non-Boardman residents.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Boardman alumnus Frank D'Apolito was the first recipient of the George Brownlee Scholarship receiving $500 in 1974 towards his bachelor's degree in biology. All recipients are placed on a placard located above a Brownlee's picture outside the high school cafeteria.
It has been four decades since George Brownlee walked the halls of Boardman High School and though his life was cut short, his legacy lives.
The George Brownlee scholarship was established by classmates, friends and coaches in 1974 to honor of Brownlee. He was a star athlete who was voted as team captain his senior year by his peers for football, basketball and track.
After his graduation in 1970, Brownlee attended the University of Cincinnati and played football. His college career abruptly ended in 1972, his junior year, when he passed away from a diagnosed brain tumor at 20 years old.
Classmate Debbie Chick, who regarded Brownlee as a true leader, said his passing was a complete shock. Brownlee was the first student from their graduating class to pass.
“It was very hard for us at 19, 20 years old to lose a classmate at that age,” Chick said.
Larry Saxton, who served as Brownlee’s high school football coach, said the athlete possessed qualities of a leader that him and his fellow coaches thought should be emulated.
“We want him to serve as an example for the other athletes coming along and that’s what this scholarship is all about,” Saxton said.
The first recipient of the scholarship, Frank D’Apolito, was awarded with $500 in 1974. He said it made him feel obligated to continue to portray great leadership qualities, even after he graduated.
“Being recognized with that [scholarship] was quite an honor and I am still honored to have received it,” D’Apolito said. “And it does come with certain expectations that need to be met.”
The scholarship was discontinued in 2004 and reestablished in 2009. Current committee members Alan Burns, Debbie Chick, Frank D’Apolito, Jim Fox, Dave Kornbau, Ron and Karen Kreps, Jerry Martin, Beverly Olson and Larry Saxton have a goal of $50,000 set for the scholarship fund.
To help them reach this goal, the committee is selling engraved bricks that will be placed on the walkway leading to the Boardman High School’s sports complex. Prices for the bricks vary by size. Four inch by 8-inch bricks are $50 each and 12-by-12 granite bricks are $500 each. As of now, $1,000 is awarded per scholarship, but according to Saxton, once the goal is reached, the amount will be re-assessed.
To be considered for the award, you must be a Boardman High School senior athlete who displays the qualities of leadership, friendship, enthusiasm, team spirit, industriousness and humility. Applications will be accepted through the high school guidance office in the spring.
“The honor to receive this award means that you were a person very much like George,” Saxton said.