The David Bird Memorial Scholarship was established in 2000 in honor of David Bird, local "Soccer Dad" who passed away during a time in life when he served our community well. David was a respected soccer coach and RPSC Board Member who lived and loved the 'beautiful game' of soccer in Peculiar, Missouri.
Scholarship money is open to any Raymore-Peculiar High School Senior. We award funds toward tuition at the higher institution of choice for one male and one female recipient, annually.
How to Apply - Fill out the application form and take a signed copy to the College & Scholarship Coordinator for RPHS, Sue Miller.
Deadline - First Friday in April at Counseling Office of Raymore-Peculiar High School.
Contact - Sue Miller (816) 892-1424 or SMMiller@raypec.k12.mo.us
Application Form - Word Format PDF Format
David Bird Biography
Born: June 20, 1959
Died: April 28, 2000
Age at death: 40
Wife: Dawn Bird
Daughters: Ashley, Alyssa and Angela Bird
Passions: Family, Soccer, Fishing, Hunting, Boating, Camping, Canoeing, and having fun
He coached, watched and played soccer, and was often an unwanted ref on the sideline while he watched his daughters play... hahaha.
He believed in living life to its fullest and loved to enjoy every minute of it. He was young at heart but wise with age. He loved the country life and loved everyone who came into his life. He was one of those people who you felt like you just HAD to like. Everyone got along with him and everyone enjoyed being around him. He was humorous and funny, but knew when to be serious. He once told me "never go straight, always go forward" and one of his favorite things to say when people asked what his last name is was "Bird.... just like the one that flies.... just need a plane to get there"
Though he was a jock in high school and played just about every sport there was, soccer was by far his favorite. He taught his wife and his children soon after. He instilled the gift of defense in me (Ashley) at a very young age. He made sure all three of his children knew that they could accomplish anything if they tried hard enough and believed in themselves. He never had anything negative to say, and always made sure the team he was coaching knew to have fun! Some soccer terms that he used were "switch it, switch it good" and a lot of times he told us that we looked like "a bunch of flies on poop" hahaha. HE definitely came up with a very original way to coach. I remember one time, he brought a dog chain to practice to teach us how to move foward and back as a group. He also came up with little games.... one of which was if anyone touched another person while scrimaging, then we would have to link together to teach us not to get close to other teammates and not crowd each other. Along with being the best coach, he was a great friend, and the number one dad anyone could dream of.... everyone who knew him misses him to this day.
Ashley and Dawn Bird
Written March, 2007
Past Recipients of the David Bird Scholarship
| Year |
Male |
Female |
|
2008
|
Anthony Sebben |
Kristen Gower |
|
2007
|
Benjamin Friesen |
Jennifer Ogren |
|
2006
|
Bart Nigh |
Ashley Bird |
|
2005
|
Logan Moore |
Hannah Earhart |
|
2004
|
Kyle Nigh |
Kelly Morris |
|
2003
|
Tyler Watt |
Megan Bowden |
|
|
Dane White |
Sarah Farrell |
|
2002
|
Lonnie Boeding |
Marley Sugar |
|
2001
|
Matthew Robertson |
Neva Farrell |
|
2000
|
Ryan Cook |
Rachel Thompson |
