SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
Awarded in memory of Tom and Ann Hartney
 

This scholarship is given by the Hartney Family to honor the memory of both Tom Hartney, the curmudgeonly but soft-hearted owner of the local Baskin Robbins who passed away in 2003, and his daughter Ann Hartney, who died of breast cancer in March 2013.

Tom and Shelly Hartney moved to Durango in 1969, and Tom immediately became an active member of the community. He devoted many years of his life to coaching and managing youth teams in basketball, soccer, and baseball. He was an active Rotarian for more than 20 years. He read stories to second graders at Park Elementary School and invited school children to paint the windows of his store each year during the holiday season. He served on the Durango 9-R School Board from 1995 to 1999. At the time of his death, Tom was a member of the Board of Directors at the Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence (now the Durango Education Foundation).
Ann also served on the Board of Directors of DEF after her father’s death. She was a coach for the Durango High School debate team when she first moved to Durango and was part of the Writing Program faculty at Fort Lewis College for ten years. Ann’s last professional position was as an advocate for victims of domestic violence, working through the La Plata County District Attorney’s office – a position that deeply affected her.

Tom and Ann both enjoyed rich intellectual lives outside of work. Tom had a lifelong passion for the study of history and social issues. He pursued a graduate degree in history as a young married man but did not finish due to his obligations to his family. Tom and Shelly were actively involved in civil rights issues in Chicago in the 1960s and encouraged all of their children, including their youngest, Ann, to understand these issues and to always speak up for what they believed was right. Ann carried these values into her active involvement in the fight for equality for the Idaho LGBTQ community in the 1990s and in her work for victims of domestic violence.

Tom’s love for history was mirrored in Ann’s deep interest in genealogy. She created a family archive and was happiest when she could spend hours pursuing the answers to questions about family history. Ann also bought old photos at estate sales and antique shops, working tirelessly to reconnect these photos with their families. Tom and Ann both volunteered their time to judge National History Day events at Durango High School.

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 Hartney Family.

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ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible, the student must:

• Be a graduating senior from Durango High School or Durango Big Picture High School.

• Be planning to pursue higher education at any accredited university or community college in one of the following fields (or closely related areas):

  • Anthropology

  • Humanities

  • Archaeology

  • Law

  • Cultural Studies

  • Sociology

  • Gender Studies

  • Southwest Studies

  • Geography

  • Urban Studies

  • History

• Demonstrate a strong interest in history and social issues, and have a commitment to community service.

• There is no minimum GPA for consideration for this scholarship.
   

EVALUATION CRITERIA

• Commitment to the study of history or social issues (e.g., participation in National History Day, relevant courses, projects, or community activities).

• Community service involvement and dedication to societal improvement.

• Future goals and career plans related to the fields of history and social issues, and a clear plan to achieve those goals.
   

INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

1. A COMPLETE APPLICATION

2. Academic Transcript

   • ​A complete senior transcript showing sustained GPA may be required before the award is remitted to the student’s choice of college.

3. Statement of Financial Need

   • Please share anything about your family financial situation and/or your financial situation that will help us understand your need for college scholarship assistance. (approximately 250 words)

4. TWO Letters of Recommendation

   • #1: A person associated with an activity in which the student has been involved, explaining how the student always gives their best

   • #2: A teacher, supervisor, coach/activity sponsor, or counselor, explaining how the student always gives their best

5. #1 College and Career Essay:

   • What are your education and career goals? What makes you passionate about this future path? What have you done so far to pursue these future goals? What will you be doing 1 and 5 years after college graduation? (600 words maximum)

6. #5 Tom and Ann Hartney Scholarship Essay (1000 words maximum):

   • Include the following:

     • Evidence of your commitment to the study of history or social issues, including examples such as:

       • Participation in National History Day or similar events.

       • Involvement in history or social studies courses.

       • Relevant projects or papers completed.

       • Related community activities.​

     • A vision for how you plan to contribute to society and demonstrate your passion for history/social issues after college.