James and Emma Bowman joined Belmont UMC in 1926. After James’ passing in 1971, Emma established the J. G. Bowman Scholarship Fund in honor of him. The first scholarship was awarded in 1991 and has been changing lives ever since. Since its establishment, more than 60 scholarships have been awarded to Belmont UMC members seeking higher education. We’re pleased to announce these 2020-2021 school year scholarship recipients:

Eleana Siwarat - Eleana is a senior studying social work at Middle Tennessee State University. She was on the Dean’s list in 2019 and is active in the bilingual social club. Eleana is an active member of Belmont’s Golden Triangle Fellowship.

Wisinee Lwe - Wisinee is a senior at the Lao Conference of Churches and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Ministry.

Abby Mendez - Abby will attend the College of William and Mary as a freshman studying international relations. Abby says: “One of my most meaningful experiences throughout high school has been coming to Belmont and devoting myself to the youth community here. I started coming to Belmont as a freshman, and now, as a senior, I am on the Youth Council and a choir officer. Being surrounded by such a loving and uplifting community throughout high school was a support network I really needed, and I am forever grateful that Belmont played a large role in that network.” Abby has worked with the Mayor’s Youth Council for two years and helped to plan and run the Mayor’s Youth Summit.

Beatrice Shee - Having recently graduated from Nashville State Community College with her associate degree, Beatrice is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business administration at Middle Tennessee State University. Her extracurricular activities include being the Public Relations Officer for MTSU’s Investment Club.

Alexcia Dee - Alexcia is a junior at Middle Tennessee State University studying social work. She is a full-time student and works part-time. Alexcia assists Karen families with their needs such as translating, applying for services, and making important phones calls. She says: “Helping is also a meaningful activity for me. Being a part of National Honor Society is one of the achievements that is meaningful as I volunteered at some non-profit organizations and other places.”

Kim Say - Kim is a senior at Lipscomb University and is studying accounting.

Ktray Say - Ktray is a sophomore studying business management and is celebrating that she “made it to next year!”

Nae Maung - Nae is attending Nashville State Community College as a sophomore and studying business management. She is a full-time student and works part time. In her spare time, she plays soccer for a Karen women’s travel team competing with other Karen women in big events.

Lwel Day - Lwel is a sophomore studying ministry at Martin Methodist College and enjoys playing tennis.

Grace Whitehouse - Grace is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee and is studying engineering. She has been active at UT by being a member of the Society of Women Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, Swim Club, and the UT Wesley Foundation.

Paw Maung - Paw Maung is a senior at Nashville State Community College and is studying business. She is member of student groups HOSA and Esculara.