DOCTOR ENDOWS TUITION SCHOLARSHIP AT NOTRE DAME

Dr. David Crowe believes that honoring the top students isn't always the best way to recognize learning and educational development.

That's why Crowe, an orthodontist and long-time resident of the area, recently donated $10,000 to sponsor a scholarship at Notre Dame High School for the most academically improved student.

The Crowe Most Improved Student scholarship will be awarded to the junior who has demonstrated the largest increase in grade point average, improvement in classroom behavior, and overall performance since his or her freshman year. The award will cover the student's senior year tuition costs at the school.

"Learning how to learn is perhaps the most important lesson of all," he said during an honors assembly Friday at the school. "This award is to honor the person who may have learned that lesson best."

The recipient of the first scholarship was Anthony Ressel. Crowe wanted to honor students like Ressel because they were so often overlooked as individuals and organizations lavish praises on "natural learners."

"This is not an award you can apply for. This is not an award you can make a plan to win," he said. "This is an award that in the purest possible sense rewards someone for growth, for maturing and developing direction for their life."

Although he is not a Catholic nor a graduate of Notre Dame, Crowe said the school was the best location for his scholarship because he wanted to show his appreciation for the entire region he serves.

"What happens in this school is important to everyone in this area," he said. "This is my way of saying thanks and keep up the good work to everyone: the administrators, the staff, the teachers, the students, the parents and lastly, the student who wins this scholarship."