Missouri youth wins USBC scholarship

Brendan Pick of Florissant, Mo., has been selected to receive the 2011 United States Bowling Congress Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship.

Awarded annually, the $5,000 scholarship is in recognition of a USBC Youth bowler's community involvement and academic achievements.

"It means the world to me to receive this scholarship," Pick said. "Earl Anthony was an amazing talent and is still arguably the greatest bowler ever, so just being awarded something with his name truly is an honor. The scholarship itself is also an amazing relief and will help me in my goals of a higher education, which is something I am beyond grateful for."

Pick recently graduated from Hazelwood Central High School, where he was a three-year member of the bowling team, vice president of the French National Honor Society and a member of DECA, an organization that prepares students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. He had a 4.6 weighted grade-point average (based on a 4.0 scale), taking Advanced Placement classes in U.S. History, Statistics, English and Government. He also volunteered as a tutor in English and Algebra

Away from school, Pick was an assistant bowling coach for a Saturday morning junior league, supervisor for the Thespian Troupe Haunted House, participated in the Boy Scouts Food Drive and was captain of his youth travel team.

"Brendan works hard to set a good example for the youth," Jessie Mapp II, the youth program director at Crest Bowl, said in his recommendation. "I was approached by several parents at a USBC youth tournament and was given a compliment regarding Brendan's interaction with the younger bowlers. Brendan is an enormous help to me working with the Crest Youth League."

Pick plans to attend McKendree University in the fall and try out for the bowling team.

"I have worked with their men's coach a few times and hope to get in shape and use the summer to prepare myself for tryouts," Pick said. "It's something I'm really looking forward to."

The Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship is presented in honor of the legendary bowling professional. One of the great ambassadors of the sport, Anthony was dedicated to helping youth bowlers.

Scholarship applicants must be enrolled in their senior year of high school or attending college as of May 1 in the year in which they apply, be a USBC member, have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 (based on a 4.0 scale), and submit at least two letters of reference.

Go to BOWL.com/scholarships to learn more about scholarships that are available to USBC Youth bowlers.