SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
Awarded in memory of Walt Anderson

Walter Loren Anderson graduated from Monrovia-Arcadia Duarte High School in 1948 and then entered Pasadena City College where he played football for two years. Upon leaving school in 1950, Walt enlisted in the US Army, where he trained at Fort Ord, California. The day after his marriage to Lorraine Murphy, Walt deployed to Korea and served his country for two years. Upon return, he enrolled at the University of Denver where he received a scholarship to play football under Coach Bob Blackman. Walt was named captain of the 1954 team and is now entered in the DU athletic hall of fame. After graduating from DU, Walt chose to retire from football, as a player, to become a beloved football coach and teacher for the next 50 years. 

Walt was an assistant coach in several college programs over his coaching career such as the University of Idaho, Washington State, Dartmouth College, and the University of Illinois. He left the college ranks in 1977 and took the head football job at Durango High School. After two years he stepped down as head coach but continued to be a part of the program, even after his retirement from teaching in 1997, until the early 2000’s. After the death of his wife, Lorraine, whom he deeply loved and was devoted to until the day he passed, he began coaching under his son in law at Danville High School in Danville, Illinois. 

Walt retired from Durango High School in 1997 but did not leave the game of football until 2010, and he never stopped loving the game. Walt was a devoted husband, never leaving Lorraine’s side when she became ill. He doted on her day and night until her death in August of 2001. 
Walt Anderson was a man of impeccable integrity. He believed in God, Country, and Family and instilled those values on all who knew him including teammates, students, peers, and family. 

The winner of this scholarship shows many of the traits carried forward by Walt. They will exemplify a willingness to work hard every day, has a never quit mentally, is a devoted and reliable teammate, student and friend. They, like Walt, will be honest, trustworthy and a person who places team before self. The recipient will be named for their honor by coaches and teachers. 

Award Amount: Award Amount: $1,000 non-renewable to the student’s choice of school, inclusive of a Trade School/Vocational School, 2-year Associate programs, or 4-year Bachelor programs. 

 

Selection: Recipients will be selected by the DEF Scholarship Committee, in conjunction with the DHS football coaching staff and the Anderson Family.

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Deadline: Nomination Forms must be submitted by March 11, 2024.

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ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible, the student must:

• Be a graduating senior from Durango High School (DHS) who is directly involved with the DHS football team (including players, managers, stats keepers, etc.).

• Demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Superior work ethic

  • Loyalty

  • Integrity

  • Honesty

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.

• Be a reliable, hardworking, and committed individual who exemplifies team-first values.

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EVALUATION CRITERIA

• Superior work ethic and dedication to the team

• Loyalty, honesty, and integrity

• The student's commitment to both football and academics

• Demonstrated reliability as a teammate and leader on and off the field

• Nomination by a football coach, DHS teacher, 9-R staff member, or administrator

INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

• Complete Nomination Form

  • Nominations must be submitted using the fillable google form nomination available through the provided link.

• Who can nominate: Any football coach, DHS teacher, 9-R staff member, or administrator can nominate a student who is involved with the DHS football team.

• Submission Deadline: Nomination forms must be submitted by March 11, 2025.