The Ankeny Booster Club, in cooperation with former Athletic Director Gary Telford, believe that a student-athlete's accomplishments, both in the classroom and their chosen sport, deserve special recognition. The Telford Scholarship was established several years ago to recognize those hard-working student-athletes.

Four $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded. Scholarships will be equally divided and awarded to one male and one female recipient from Ankeny High School and Ankeny Centennial High School, who plan to attend a post-high school educational program.

Any Ankeny School District senior who has participated (as athlete or manager) in at least two (2) sports each year for grades 10, 11, 12, while simultaneously maintaining a minimum requirement 3.0 cumulative GPA is eligible to apply. Any student enrolling in a trade school, community college, 2-year or 4-year college is eligible to apply. Telford Scholarship money will be awarded to selected winners following the successful completion of their first semester or quarter of their chosen educational endeavor.

A scholar-athlete is a student-athlete who participates in an organized competitive sport sponsored by the educational institution in which he or she is enrolled. Just like school districts all over the metro, Ankeny is brimming with hundreds of talented girls and boys who are considered scholar-athletes. Being recognized as an outstanding scholar-athlete, however, is something quite different. This winning combination is something only a select few actually achieve.

This requires that a student exhibit excellence in both academics and athletics. This is a goal many student-athletes seek to balance, strive for and attain.  The Telford Scholarship was established several years ago to recognize those hard-working student-athletes.  Gary Telford left a legacy of impact on many fronts, but mostly from the eyes that hard work (long hours in study or practice), dedication (first to show up and last to leave), passion (intense at times) and sportsmanship (always encouraging others) could lead students well into their future.

Interested and qualified seniors are encouraged to apply. Application forms are located in your school's Activities Office or can be obtained in the Ankeny High School or Ankeny Centennial High School counselor's office. Applications are also available to download below. Complete the scholarship application form and return it to your respective Activities Office no later than Friday March 22, 2024.

A scholarship selection committee will review each submitted application and select two winners from each school as explained above. Recipients will be announced in a special presentation during Senior Awards Night.