In recognition of her academic success and community service, Natalie Demarko of Brunswick, Ga., has been named the winner of the United States Bowling Congress Annual Zeb Scholarship.

The honor includes a $2,500 scholarship and an expense-paid trip to Detroit for Demarko and a parent or guardian to attend a formal awards ceremony July 11 at the close of the USBC Junior Gold Championships, a national event for high-average youth bowlers.

"I try to live my life by making decisions that lead to great opportunities and new experiences," said Demarko.

The 17-year-old Brunswick High School junior earns straight As and has served as a student council board member, vice president of the school chapter of the National Spanish Honor Society, math tutor, member of the junior varsity and varsity softball teams and staff member of the school's literary magazine and yearbook. The winner of a county-wide poetry contest and a national essay contest, Demarko's community activism includes volunteer work at three area elementary schools and a senior living center as well as participation in charity walks, runs and other fund-raisers.

She bowled her 201 certified high game earlier this year in the Saturday All Stars League at Bowlarena, where she averages 152.

The Annual Zeb Scholarship, presented to a USBC Youth member who is a high school junior or senior, recognizes academic success and community service. Established in 2005, the Annual Zeb Scholarship commemorates the dedication and enthusiasm for youth bowling exemplified by Jim Zebehazy, who was the executive director of the Young American Bowling Alliance for eight years until the organization's merger into USBC.

United States Bowling Congress Youth membership offers fun, exciting opportunities for young people to learn a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime, improve their skills, develop teamwork and leadership abilities, and try for their part of more than $6 million in scholarships awarded to youth bowlers every year.