ABOUT US

The Boatman King Scholarship Foundation was established in honor and memory of Robert Lee Boatman and Luberta King. These two individuals were employees and friends of Carl Dothage. Mr. Boatman and Mrs. King were hard working African American St. Louisans, dedicated church members and very concerned about young people.

On November 24, 2000, a meeting was convened with Carl Dothage, Ken Dothage, Mary Anne Hoppe and Carol Vaughn present. Ms. Vaughn is a descendent of Robert Lee Boatman. At this meeting, it was decided to annually offer a one year, renewable $1,000.00 scholarship to a hard working student who demonstrates a financial need, attends the St. Louis Public Schools, and shows strong values and integrity, including participation in community activities.

Mrs. Mary Anne Hoppe and Dr. Wanda C. Clay were appointed to the educational selection committee based on their past and present involvement in the St. Louis Public School system.

Ms. Edna Martin, a Counselor at Gateway High School developed the scholarship application form. The form requires the student to state identifying information, three choices of college, grade point average, class rank and ACT/SAT score. Applicants must list their honors and extra curricular activities (including community activities), and their work experiences. Applicants must write a short essay outlining their post-high school goals and expectations for college. Applicants must attach one letter of academic reference from a teacher, counselor or administrator.

The top applicants are scheduled for a personal interview with Mrs. Hoppe and Dr. Clay, and other committee members. The interview questions are designed to allow the applicant to express, in person, their qualifications and need. The selection committee selects and notifies the two annual recipients. All interviewees are notified of the results by mail. The checks are presented to the recipient students at the annual Boatman/King Scholarship luncheon in June of each year.

June 2007 brought a change to the Boatman/King Scholarship. After the tragic death of Christopher Dothage, a promising college student and Carl Dothage’s grandson, a second $1,000.00 annual scholarship was added in honor and memory of Christopher Dothage.