Gary Telford Scholarship
Gary Telford dedicated his career to supporting students through academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. He served as Activities Director for the Ankeny Community School District from 2002 to 2011, where he championed opportunities for student athletes and performers to grow both on and off the field. His leadership helped shape Ankeny’s reputation for excellence in sports, fine arts, and student involvement.
Beyond Ankeny, Gary’s impact reached across Iowa:
- He worked at Ballard Community School District (1979–1999) as a coach and athletic director, and later at Indianola High School (1999–2002) before coming to Ankeny.
- He was inducted into the Iowa Softball Coaches Hall of Fame and the Ankeny High School Coaches Hall of Fame, recognizing his lasting influence on athletics.
- He received multiple statewide honors, including Iowa High School Activities Director of the Year, Iowa Official of the Year for Cross Country and Track, and the Iowa High School Speech Association Administrator of the Year Award—the only athletic director ever to earn that distinction.
Gary Telford’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and encouragement. He believed in recognizing the hard work of scholar athletes and ensuring that students had the resources and support to succeed in both academics and extracurricular pursuits. The scholarship that bears his name continues this mission, honoring students who embody the same balance of excellence he valued.
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- The Gary Telford Athletic / Academic Scholarship honors student athletes who shine both in the classroom and on the field. Established by the Ankeny Booster Club in honor of former Activities Director Gary Telford, it recognizes the hard work, discipline, and excellence of scholar athletes.
- Students will be awarded the Gary Telford Athletic / Academic Sholarship if they are seniors at Ankeny High School or Ankeny Centennial High School, participate in at least two sports each year during grades 10 through 12 as an athlete or manager, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and plan to attend a trade school, community college, or a two- or four-year college after graduation. The Gary Telford Athletic Scholarship will reward students who demonstrate commitment, balance, and excellence in both academics and athletics.
- The scholarship awards four $1,000 recipients each year—one male and one female from Ankeny High School, and one male and one female from Ankeny Centennial High School. Funds are distributed after the student successfully completes their first semester or quarter at their postsecondary institution.