The 15th Annual Alayna Brianne Bowman Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Oct. 3 at noon at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Course, marking 15 years since a beloved 16-year-old Choctawhatchee High School student was tragically killed by a drunk driver and inspired her younger brother to honor her memory.
- June 23, 2025 marked the 15th anniversary of Alayna’s death. She was driving her younger brother Mack home when a repeat offender and drunk driver hit their car while they were turning into their driveway. Alayna was killed while Mack, who was 13 at the time, was injured.
“Even at 13 years old, it was so hurtful that I wasn’t going to get to see my big sister go to college, or get married,” Mack Bowman previously said. “I’m not going to get to see my big sister do those things, but I wondered if there was any way that we could make it so that other people would be able to enjoy those kinds of things since she couldn’t.”
Shortly after Alayna’s death, Mack wanted to form a scholarship foundation in her memory. The Alayna Brianne Bowman Memorial Scholarship Foundation has since been awarded over $110,000 to help local high school seniors pursue college education. The foundation awards $1,000 scholarships annually to graduating seniors from Choctawhatchee High School who demonstrate a balance between academics, school spirit, leadership, community service and Christian faith.
Alayna was the editor of the Smoke Signals Newspaper and an anchor for the WBGI Tribal News Team at Choctawhatchee High School. She served as the school mascot “Indian Princess,” Senior Class Spirit Coordinator and Historian for the Inter-Club Council. She was a member of Wheelette Service Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, War Chiefs Spirit Club, Link Crew and Diamond Dolls.
- “Life without Alayna has been incredibly difficult but knowing that her legacy lives on through the leaders of tomorrow brings joy to all who loved her,” said Linde Bowman, Alayna’s mother.
As always, ERA American Real Estate continues to sponsor the tournament.
“ERA American Real Estate is proud to support the upcoming Alayna Bowman Memorial Golf Tournament, a community tradition that honors Alayna’s legacy while raising funds to give back in her name,” said Rachelle Wyatt, Manager of Communications and Events.
Tony Lombardo, President and CEO of ERA American Real Estate, said the company remains committed to community involvement.
- “ERA American Real Estate remains deeply committed to community involvement from scholarships, charity events that enhance neighborhood initiatives, and creating or supporting housing initiatives. We invite our neighbors and business partners to join us in supporting this meaningful cause,” Lombardo said. “Together, we can continue honoring Alayna’s memory by creating brighter futures for the next generation.”
The foundation seeks corporate sponsors, silent auction donations and goodie bag items for the tournament. All proceeds benefit the scholarship foundation.
The Bowman Family encourages supporters to “Always Be Brave” and invites participation through donations, volunteering and tournament participation. Those interested can find the golf tournament application at www.alaynabowman.com.
“Always be brave.”
