Applications are now being accepted for the Dean Hanson Memorial Scholarships presented by the Four Corners Board of Realtors. Six $1,000 scholarships are available for traditional and non-traditional students who are a resident of Montezuma or Dolores County seeking post-secondary or graduate education. Deadline for scholarship applications is Sunday, April 15.
Applications need to be turned into the Four Corners Board of Realtors at 925 South Broadway, Suite #222 in Cortez, emailed to fcboardofrealtors@gmail.com, or drop off at the counselors office. Applications are also available at: www.fourcornersboardofrealtors.com, the counselors office in the high schools in Montezuma and Dolores Counties or at the Board of Realtors office at the above address.
To raise funds for the scholarships, The Four Corners Board of Realtors sponsors the Dean Hanson Memorial Golf Tournament every year the first weekend after Labor Day in September. It started out as a tournament in memory of Dean Hanson, a Realtor and involved community leader. Dean Hanson was a Little League coach, and was instrumental in getting the Elks club built.
The Dean Hanson Memorial Golf Tournament started in 1988. Originally it was set up for golfers over 60 years of age and about 45 players turned out to play. Family and friends of Dean Hanson contributed financially to help get the tournament started. At that time the funds were placed in a scholarship fund in Deans name, with one scholarship given.
In 1994 the tournament was restructured for a five-member team, and at least one person on the team had to be a woman; more than 150 players turn out to play. Today there are approximately 175 players enjoying the tournament. Area businesses donate and sponsor the golf holes, thus making more money for more scholarships.
The tremendous response from the community in sponsoring holes, and the players who enjoy the great game of golf have made a huge impact on the students seeking higher education in our community. The scholarships have gone from a couple in the amount of $250 each, up to as many as eight scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each.