The Rodney Ems Memorial Golf Scholarship has awarded $14,000 to seven high school graduates from the Four Corners region for 2026. Three of those graduates are from Montezuma County schools.
The Montezuma County recipients are Amita Crowley and Afton Unrein, who graduated from Montezuma-Cortez High School on Thursday, and Julianne Vega, who graduated from Dolores High School on Friday.
Other Four Corners graduates to receive the scholarship are Celia Gallavan, Ian Hastey and Austin Romero of Durango High School, and Deaglan Denen of Pagosa Springs High School. All competed on their high school golf teams and were selected for their success in school, leadership and community service.
Crowley will play golf at St. Olaf College in Minnesota while pursuing a degree in economics and finance. Unrein will attend Weber State University in Utah to study radiology therapy, while Vega will major in elementary education at the University of Colorado Boulder.
According to a news release, the scholarship recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate both academic achievement and athletic excellence while continuing their education. It was established to honor Rodney Ems, a “passionate golfer” and “community supporter” who valued education and the character-building aspects of golf. The scholarship is open to high school senior golfers from Colorado high schools in the Four Corners region who can demonstrate how golf has influenced their lives.
“We are confident they will continue to excel in their academic pursuits, make a positive impact in their communities and maintain their love of the game,” the release said about the recipients.
The fourth annual Rodney Ems Memorial Scholarship golf outing is scheduled for Thursday, June 11 at Dalton Ranch Golf Club.
For more information, visit remsgolf.com or email remsgolf@gmail.com.
bduran@the-journal.com
