Two Dolores High School seniors and members of the Dolores golf team were awarded the 2025 Rodney Ems Memorial Golf Scholarship for their accomplishments both in the classroom and on the golf course.
The Dolores recipients, Samantha Abate and Siena Parr, will each be awarded a $2,500 scholarship. Students are selected based on their academic achievement, athletic achievement and desire to pursue higher education.
Abate and Parr were also awarded the scholarship after demonstrating “strong leadership qualities” and service to their community.
“The Rodney Ems Memorial Golf Scholarship is proud to recognize these four exceptional student-athletes for their academic and athletic achievements,” an email from the district said, including the two recipients from Durango High School. “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.”
Abate will attend Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she plans to double major in marine biology and anthropology.
“Being selected for this scholarship is an honor and I am beyond grateful,” Abate told The Journal. “It means a lot to me because this is a sport that I will get to play for the rest of my life and is something I can take with me into the future.”
Parr will pursue a degree in either cellular or molecular biology at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.
“I am very honored to have received the Rodney Ems Memorial Scholarship,” Parr said. “Winning this award represents a passion for something that I truly love doing and have found an unexpected home in over the years.”
The Rodney Ems Memorial Golf Scholarship was established in honor of Rodney Ems, who was a passionate golfer and supporter of his community.
The scholarship is open to student golfers who are seniors from a Colorado high school in the Four Corners. Applicants were required to demonstrate their love of golf and how it has impacted their lives.
For more information about the Rodney Ems Memorial Golf Scholarship can be found online at www.remsgolf.com.
