Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship recipients announced

Five students have been selected to receive a United States Bowling Congress Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship based on their community service and academic achievements.

Each of the USBC bowlers will receive a $5,000 scholarship. Four of the recipients are recent high school graduates, while the other is a first-year college student.

The scholarship recipients are:
> Jessica Ash, Corona, Calif.
> Angela Kaczowka, Youngstown, Ohio
> Joanna Loewen, Wichita, Kan.
> Joe Phillips, Fond du Lac, Wis.
> Gregory Pizl II, Antigo, Wis.

Ash was valedictorian of the class that recently graduated from La Sierra High School. Her volunteer activities include working at an animal hospital and a local elementary school. In her application, Ash said bowling has been a part of her family from the time her grandfather set pins as a teenager.

"The two most important things I have learned from bowling are how to be part of a team and what my place on that team is," Ash wrote. "Though it may seem trivial, this type of interaction helps to prepare us for those which will occur in college, in the work place, and even in our own personal lives."

Kaczowka, the valedictorian of the 2010 Boardman High School class, was a four-year member of the bowling team and a member of the marching/concert band. She said bowling has taught her patience, good sportsmanship and discipline.

"Bowling also has taught me that you are allowed to have bad days," Kaczowka wrote in her application. "Sometimes the pins just don't fall the way you may hope. This is a lesson that can be applied to life."


A recent graduate of Wichita High School North, Loewen was the school newspaper's editor and the National Honor Society president. She volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Bowl for Kids Sake. A four-year member of the bowling team, she recalled how she started in the sport of bowling just before her freshman year and how she did not get to bowl in many matches early in her high school career.

"Each day I had to make the choice to continue and not let myself or my team down," Loewen said. "Through pressing on, I gained knowledge and skill in the sport. A few years later, I was able to help my team to multiple match and tournament wins."

Phillips was valedictorian of the St. Mary's Springs High School Class of 2010. In addition to being a member of the school's bowling team, he was active in the Performing Arts Club and concert chorus. He had almost 1,700 hours of community service during his high school career, including work at St. Agnes Hospital and taking part in the Salvation Army Operation Back To School program that assisted underprivileged children with school supplies.

"I have always tried to make service a priority in my life," Phillips said. "I have gained valuable lessons from service such as keeping my problems in perspective as opposed to others who are struggling for the basics of life."

As a freshman at Viterbo University during the 2009-10 school year, Pizl was named to the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association Academic All-America Team. He is a USBC Bronze coach and has worked with Special Olympics bowling events and clinics for his local youth programs. He has helped with fundraising for the Langlade County Cancer Center and the Boys and Girls Club.

"Through bowling, I have learned that with dedication, research, preparation and practice, success will follow," wrote Pizl in his application.

The Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarships are presented in honor of legendary bowling professional Earl Anthony, one of the great ambassadors of the sport who was dedicated to helping youth bowlers. A committee, including Anthony's widow, Susie, and USBC staff, determine the scholarship winners.

To be considered for the 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 grade-point average of 2.5 (based on a 4.0 scale), and submit at least two letters of reference.