Able Patron - The Cathy Coleman Foundation

Able Patron - The Cathy Coleman Foundation Support to families in Recovery as well.

Able Patron is a nonprofit founded in memory of Cathy Coleman, focused on scholarships, academic readiness, and real-world preparation for college and military service.

06/12/2026

The 2026 Scholarships in Cathy’s name have been awarded to 5 BRHS students one of whom will be a sophomore next school year. Two students are Nursing commits and three other awards went to students who participated in the Chappie James and Dr Valentine essay challenge.

04/17/2026

Cathy's scholarship awards for 2026 are shaping up like this: 3 awards for the Chappie James Essay contest. Two awards for collegiate bound students pursuing medical and science careers. Here's my beef though. I wanted this year to be a year where awards go to aspiring enlistees wanting to improve their ASVAB scores. Really no dice out of the BRHS. I've got to think of something to help get this out. I'm leaning towards trying to ID students over the summer and try and connect with recruiters. What's going on in Bordentown with kids wanting to enlist? Maybe it's just me, in the day these scores were called GCT scores and my 1974-75 scores had me around what would be called today a 30ish ASVAB. I left the Marines with a GCT of 127 roughly equiv today of a 65+ASVAB. I thought it would be neat to help someone (s) get a better score from the get go.

02/20/2026

Able Patron is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026 scholarship programs, featuring the Military Enlistment Enrichment Program and the Cathy Coleman Memorial Scholarship, which will provide two collegiate awards and offer two essay awards as detailed below.

The Able Patron Cathy Coleman Memorial
Scholarship Series

Black History Month Essay Contest

Theme:

The Bordentown Spirit & The 11th Commandment: Personal Excellence as the Ultimate Equalizer

Throughout history, transformative leaders have refused to be defined by their circumstances. Instead, they chose discipline, education, resilience, and excellence as their response to adversity. This year’s essay contest invites students to explore two powerful philosophies rooted in history and leadership:

The Bordentown School Spirit — the belief that education builds agency, dignity, and opportunity.

The 11th Commandment: “Thou Shalt Not Quit” — the conviction that persistence and excellence create undeniable impact.

Contest Guidelines

Eligibility:
Open to students in grades 9 to 12
Each student may submit one essay selecting one prompt

Essay Requirements:
650 to 800 words
Typed
12 Point Font
Proper citations if outside sources are used
Student name and grade on top of page
Indicate which prompt your are addressing

Judging Criteria:
Depth of analysis and historical understanding
Clarity of argument and organization
Connection to the central theme
Original insight and reflection
Grammar, mechanics and presentation

Students will choose one of the prompts on the following page.

Prompt Option 1
The Bordentown Synthesis: Education & Agency
In the early 20th century, educational leaders such as W. E. B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington debated the purpose of education for Black Americans. Du Bois emphasized the liberal arts and intellectual development, while Washington championed vocational and industrial training as pathways to economic stability.
Dr. William Valentine of Bordentown believed these philosophies did not need to compete, they could work together.
Essay Question:
How did Dr. Valentine synthesize the liberal arts and vocational education philosophies into a model that empowered students with both knowledge and agency?

In your response:
Explain the differences between Du Bois’ and Washington’s educational philosophies.

Analyze how a blended approach strengthens individuals and communities.

Reflect on how education today can serve as both empowerment and preparation.

Prompt Option 2
The 11th Commandment: Leadership & Achievement
General Daniel James Jr., known as “Chappie,” was the first Black four-star general in the United States military. He lived by his mother’s “11th Commandment”: “Thou Shalt Not Quit.”
He believed that being “twice as good” was not a burden, but a strategy — one that made his excellence overwhelming and undeniable.
Essay Question:
How did General James’ philosophy of persistence and “being twice as good” shape his leadership and legacy?

In your response:
Explain the meaning of the 11th Commandment and the idea of “twice as good.”

Analyze how persistence can transform obstacles into opportunity.

Reflect on how this philosophy applies to leadership in your own life or community.

02/07/2026

Cathy's grandson and mine Robbie learning how to try.

02/06/2026

TAPinto Bordentown

02/06/2026

Welcome to Able Patron

Able Patron was founded in memory of my wife, Cathy Coleman, and in the belief that steady, practical support can make a real difference when it’s offered at the right time.

After losing Cathy in December 2022, I saw firsthand how many capable students and families struggle not because they lack effort or character, but because guidance, opportunity, or encouragement is hard to find when life becomes complicated and full of trauma. Able Patron exists to help close that gap — quietly, ethically, and with respect for the people we might reach.

Since 2024, Able Patron has presented annual scholarships at Bordentown Regional High School during Senior Night. Each year, $1,000 in total awards have supported students who are preparing seriously for their next chapter:
• student-athletes committed to excellence
• students entering Bachelor of Nursing programs
• 2026: students preparing for the future through ASVAB improvement, including tutoring and academic readiness for military service, as well as collegiate awards.

These awards are intentionally practical — designed to encourage follow-through, preparation, and confidence at a moment when young people are stepping into adulthood.

Able Patron also supports organizations doing vital work for families and individuals in recovery, including Battlefield Addiction, which focuses on helping families navigate addiction and recovery together, and Seattle Union Gospel Mission, which provides shelter, recovery, and long-term support for people rebuilding their lives.

This organization is grounded by design. Able Patron does not replace professionals, institutions, or public systems — it helps people take next steps, access resources, and move forward with dignity.

Thank you for being here and for supporting work that is built to last.

— Robert S. Coleman Jr.
Founder, Able Patron
Able Patron is a IRC Section 501(c)(3) non profit Private Foundation and a Washington State Corporation and Charity

Address

Federal Way
Federal Way, WA
98003

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