NC Runner Earns $2,500 Scholarship for Sports and Service

For Ryley Bowles, success isn't just about crossing finish lines first. It's about lifting others up along the way.

The West Stokes High School senior was named one of four recipients of the 2025-26 Charlie Adams Endowed Scholarship by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Foundation. She'll receive $2,500 at an awards celebration on June 10 in Greensboro.

Bowles competed in cross country and track and field for all four years of high school, earning conference runner of the year honors. But her achievements extend far beyond the track.

As a National Honor Society member, she maintains above a 3.5 GPA while planning to study biology in college. More importantly, she's turned her passion for sports into service by becoming a certified volleyball official.

Between training sessions and competitions, Bowles dedicates time to addressing food insecurity in her community. She understands that being a champion means showing up for people who need help.

Why This Inspires

The scholarship honors Charlie Adams, who led the NCHSAA for 26 years and held the record as America's longest-serving high school athletics director. It was created in memory of his daughter Michelle, a cross country runner, and his son Scott, a wrestler.

Three other North Carolina athletes join Bowles as 2025-26 recipients: Landis Brown of North Davidson High School, Beatrix Crayton of Tri-County Early College, and Jane Gwinn of Lejeune High School. All four students proved that the values learned through sports translate into academic excellence and community impact.

Bowles shows that real leadership isn't just about personal victories. It's about using your talents and platform to make life better for others, whether that means officiating games so younger athletes can compete or ensuring neighbors have enough to eat.

Her story proves that the next generation understands what truly matters.