Sometimes we get so comfortable in our present existence that we forget to acknowledge those that came before us to make us who we are today.  Those that laid the foundations for the many rights and freedoms we have today.

On Sunday, April 19th, 2009, the Denver Bowling Senate, a chapter of The National Bowling Association (TNBA), recognized and honored, Mrs. Shirley M. Shockley for her hard work in establishing the Denver Bowling Senate, by naming their annual bowling membership tournament “The Shirley M. Shockley Annual Membership Tournament”.  

It was October 19th, 1972, that Shirley and a group of other determined individuals were granted a Denver charter which set the course that established “The Denver Bowling Senate” (DBS).  She served as President of the local chapter for 10 years.  Still an avid bowler, participating in leagues, a member of the Striker/Strikette Bowling Club and a participant in tournament play.  On the National level, she has achieved Life Membership and has, and continues to be, recognized for outstanding service.  The Denver organization has grown from a membership of 55 to approximately 300.  And her tireless dedication, hard work and presence keep us moving forward.

Children are her passion and from the date of inception to date, Shirley has been a very active member.  She has been in charge of our scholarship program—assisting many young high school seniors by directing them to the various funding sources available for scholarships, encouraging them to apply helping whenever she can.  The national organization (TNBA) awards scholarships to high school seniors, in addition to book awards.  In the 37 years that Shirley has managed that program, not one year has gone by where we did not have one of our youths be awarded a scholarship or book award. She is dedicated to our organization, and we want others to know that we appreciate her

The National Bowling Association was established in 1939, when minorities were not allowed to be members of the ABC/WIBC bowling organization (now known as the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).  During that time, if you wanted to bowl, you had to do it in the mid-night hours, after non-minorities had bowled.  Well, we’ve come a long way since then and now anyone can now belong to the United States Bowling Congress and/or The National Bowling Association (TNBA) of which the Denver Bowling Senate (DBS) is our local chapter, regardless of race, color or creed.  All due in part to pioneers such as The National Bowling Association (TNBA) that helped make the change. 

Thanks, Shirley, for getting involved.