The George E. “Dewey” Barnes, III Memorial Scholarship honors a lifelong Firebirds athlete, coach, and supporter by providing financial assistance to graduating high school seniors pursuing further education.
For George E. "Dewey" Barnes, III, the Firebirds were more than a track club. They were part of his story from the very beginning.
As one of the club's first athletes, Dewey grew up in an organization his father, George E. Barnes, Jr., helped establish alongside Eugene Neal and Melvin Ware. What began as an opportunity to compete became a lasting connection to the Firebirds and the values the club represents.
A graduate of Poolesville High School and a member of its inaugural Sports Hall of Fame class, Dewey continued his athletic career at Towson University on a football scholarship. After graduation, he returned to the Firebirds as a coach, helping guide a new generation of young athletes.
His commitment to helping others extended beyond sports. In 2004, Dewey founded Dedicated Fitness Personal Training in Germantown, Maryland, continuing his passion for fitness, discipline, and personal growth.
Dedicated. Respectful. Conscientious. These words reflect the values at the heart of Coach Dewey's legacy and define the spirit of the memorial scholarship. The award recognizes Firebirds student-athletes who demonstrate strong character, academic commitment, teamwork, and the determination to succeed.
The lessons learned through athletics do not end at the finish line. They help shape the way young people approach challenges, pursue opportunities, and build their futures.
The George E. “Dewey” Barnes, III Memorial Scholarship carries those lessons forward by supporting Firebirds athletes in their pursuit of higher education.
By investing in their futures, the Firebirds continue the tradition of mentorship, opportunity, and personal development that Coach Dewey helped uphold.
Review the requirements and get ready for the next application period.
All required application materials must be submitted during the annual application window.
College: North Carolina Central University
Major: Business Administration
Favorite event: 200 meters
Favorite Firebirds memory: Going to North Carolina A&T for JO’s.
Advice: Always keep going no matter how hard track may seem; you win some and lose some, and that’s okay.
Future plans: Become a real estate agent within about 3–5 states.
College: Morgan State University
Major: Hospitality and management
Favorite event: 100 & 4×1
Favorite Firebirds memory: Junior Olympics in North Carolina, playing sharks and mentos with teammates at the hotel.
Advice: Keep pushing through the challenges; determination and hard work will pay off.
Future plans: Become an entrepreneur and mentor kids in track and field.
College: Texas Southern University
Major: Business Management
Favorite event: 4×1 with Raylynn, JAMIA and Alicia
Favorite Firebirds memory: Traveling to California for JO’s, and Thursdays eating candy and playing in the water with teammates.
Advice: Enjoy every moment, work hard, stay dedicated, and make memories with teammates.
Future plans: Build a successful career in business management and eventually own and franchise a business.
College: Montgomery College
Major: Undecided
Favorite event: Shot put
Favorite Firebirds memory: Running at the Junior Olympics in Greensboro, North Carolina, and building connections with teammates.
Future plans: Attend Howard University next year and graduate with a degree in psychology.
Contributions to the George E. “Dewey” Barnes, III Memorial Scholarship Fund support educational opportunities for Firebirds athletes.
Zeffy donation campaign link coming soon.