Seth Wallace Bowden and Catherine “Snow” Radford Coulter are the 2018 recipients of the Foothill Striders’ Scholarship. The awards are given each year to two Blount County students, who have distinguished themselves academically as well as physically by participating in sport activities, such as biking, hiking and/or running. Both Bowden and Coulter will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Striders in the fall to assist with their upcoming college expenses.

Bowden is a graduate of Maryville High School and the son of Julie Young and Wallace Bowden. He plans to attend East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN and major in computer science with a double major or minor in interactive media. Coulter is a graduate of Maryville High School and the daughter of Kim Radford and Shawn Coulter. She plans to attend Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA and major in wildlife. The program provides a foundation to help manage and conserve the earth’s wildlife and ecosystems. During his high school career, Bowden maintained a solid 4.0 grade point average. His reference letters stated he challenged himself with rigorous courses and one of the finest student-athletes in the program. He has the distinction of earning a trip to the state championship in cross-country in all four years of high school. Bowden’s sister, Sara, was a scholarship recipient in 2015.

Coulter indicated in her essay that her choice for college was based on her desire to major in wildlife. The location of the school is near the Pacific Ocean and the Redwood Forest. She submitted a very impressive list of her athletic achievements, but she also made time to volunteer at the Blount County Animal Shelter and Animal Works, and work at PetSmart.

To date, the Foothill Striders will have awarded $80,900 since 1987.