David J. Ramnath Memorial Scholarship

David Ramnath was born in Bangalore, India. He studied at Clarence High School and then completed a Bachelor of Science degree at St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore. David represented both the college and university in field hockey and was the university pole vault champion his senior year. David worked for the Reserve Bank of India and then on July 4, 1981, settled in Clinton, Iowa, where he and his wife, Monis, raised their children, Deepak and Rohini. For over twenty years, David worked for Clinton National Bank in an array of capacities including teller, branch manager, and bank officer, prior to his retirement.

David was a master at getting to know people quickly and then developing acquaintances into deep friendships. His capability to inject humor, his love of singing, and aptitude to befriend all who were fortunate enough to have passed through his life are the ways in which David is most lovingly remembered. David found great satisfaction serving with and doing for others. Some highlights of David’s civic endeavors included Kiwanis, Eastern Iowa Community College’s B-rrry Scurry 4-mile race, and YMCA soccer.

David was an avid tennis player and shared his knowledge and teaching skills with players of all ages and abilities. He played competitively as an adult and recreationally with friends, family and, young people. David coached at Pleasant Valley High School for four years. He had a supreme rapport with the boys’ and girls’ teams. David was known throughout the Mississippi Athletic Conference for his positive approach to coaching and his desire to see every player succeed both on and off the court. He shared his enormous, encouraging smile with players and spectators, opponents and teammates.

David passed away on August 6, 2011. As a way to honor David’s purpose-filled life, family and friends from around the world came together to fund the David J. Ramnath Memorial Scholarship.

Criteria to Apply:

Be a graduating senior at PVHS
Acceptance or plan to attend a four-year college or university
Have a minimum cumulative 3.5 GPA after seven semesters of high school
Have participated in at least one sport each year while attending PVHS
Form detailing your extra-curricular involvement
An essay describing your positive impact on the community

Scholarship Personal Statement/Essay:

In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us why you've chosen your field of study.
In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us what your plans are after your post-secondary education is complete.
In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us about one of the following: your ability to problem solve, work with others, and/or your dedication to the community.
In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us how you've overcome an obstacle.
In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us anything else about yourself you think the selection committee would like to know.