For many years, Kathy Bower made a positive impact on the Manheim and Mount Joy community. Now the longtime member of the Women's Club of Manheim will continue to influence others even after her unexpected death in May of 2023. The Kathy Bower Memorial Scholarship was created for senior girls in Manheim Central School District who may experience a financial barrier while pursuing their education in teaching or writing.

As Shayna Sharp, education committee co-chair of the Women's Club, explained, a member of the club suggested starting the scholarship as soon as news was shared with club members of Kathy's passing. The option to donate to the scholarship was included in her obituary.

"Kathy's genuine love for reading and writing prompted our organization to offer this scholarship," Sharp said. Kathy taught at Lafayette Elementary School in Lancaster and both Sporting Hill and Doe Run elementary schools in Manheim. Prior to teaching in the district, she served on the Manheim Central School Board. After her retirement, she became the director of MCFEE, the Manheim Central Foundation for Educational Enrichment.

Kathy gave her time and talent to a variety of organizations in her community, said her friend and fellow Women's Club member Sue Kopp.

"(She) was an active member in the Women's Club of Manheim. She willingly served on the auction committee, grant committee and the education committee for many years," Kopp shared. "In addition, Kathy was involved with the Manheim Library, and she held many leadership roles in her church, St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Mount Joy."

Kathy was married to Bill Bower for 53 years. They have two grown sons and four grandsons.

"Spending cherished time with her family was very important to Kathy," Kopp said. "She loved to cook and bake and share those delicious talents with family and friends. Traveling was another great passion of Kathy's, and she loved visiting places she had read about in books." In the summer of 2022, Kathy and Bill fulfilled a longtime goal of driving the length of Route 66.

In her classroom, Kathy shared her love of writing poetry and reading with her students.

"No student was going to fall through the cracks if she could help it," Kopp remarked. "She willingly and generously provided not only for the educational needs of her students, but also for the physical needs of their families."

When the Women's Club of Manheim members created the scholarship, they planned for it to be a $1,000 award. In January, they voted to increase it to a $2,000 scholarship.

Interested applicants may pick up an application in the Manheim Central High School guidance office or email Sharp at shaynaesharp@gmail.com. Applications are due to the guidance office by Friday, April 5.