You could have knocked over Elise Boulton with a feather when she heard.
Literally.
The Montezuma High School senior was in a group setting on Thursday, Feb. 18, when girls basketball Coach Janel Burgess told her she had been selected as the 2021 recipient of the E. Wayne Cooley Scholarship Award.
Boulton’s knees buckled, her right hand covered her mouth, and she fell sobbing into Burgess’ arms.
The award is a scholarship established by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union in tribute to the man most responsible for making the “Iowa Girl” number one in the nation.
The profile of the recipient should reflect discipline, perseverance, character, superior athletic skill, leadership, academic achievement and citizenship traits that personified the life and expectations of the late Dr. E. Wayne Cooley, who was a long-time director of the girls union.
Financial awards are given to six finalists statewide. Five finalists will receive a $1,000 scholarship grant.
The E. Wayne Cooley Scholarship Award winner receives a $15,000 scholarship ($3,750 annually).
All nominees will receive a a plaque commemorating their nomination by their school.
Montezuma administrators, on the school’s website, said this: “We are so proud of Elise and how she has represented Montezuma and being the “Iowa Girl” in all that she does!”
An outstanding student with a 4.0 grade point average, Elise ranks first in her graduating class. She is involved with the National Honor Society, student council, Christian youth groups and Spanish Club.
Elise has received many athletic honors as well. She is a four-year cross country letter winner. She has qualified for state all four years and has three individual school records. She has been a four-year starter on the four-time state-qualifying Bravettes basketball team and holds two school records. She also qualified for state two years in track and field.
During the COVID-19 pandemic Elise, along with her mother and sister, made nearly 350 cloth face masks to give away to their friends, family and community. This rewarding experience helped teach Elise the definition of community service, the value of coming together and caring for one another.
Elise is the daughter of Buddy and Marie Boulton. She is the 30th recipient of the Cooley Scholarship. She will continue her education and college basketball career at Simpson College in Indianola.