Local Scholarships
To apply for these Scholarships use this application
Local Scholarship Application 212.02 kB
*USE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FORM
Robert & Mable Austin Scholarship Fund *
Established in 1995 by Robert and Mable Austin to promote advanced studies by Stafford High School graduates.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate, emphasis on participation and leadership in school and community, academic achievement, and financial need.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Student Success Coordinator.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: The completed application form must be returned to the SHS counselor by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $1,000 ($500 per semester). A check made payable to the school attended will be mailed to the institution upon proof of enrollment.
Biege Foundation Scholarships *
Established in 1973 by Ray Biege, now deceased, a Stafford resident as a child. Mr. Biege wished to repay the community for the thoughtfulness shown to his family. The fund is administered by USD No. 349 in cooperation with the Stafford American Legion, Christopher L. Stockwell Post.
ELIGIBILITY: Preference to SHS graduate but not a firm requirement. Candidates may be either single or married, should be either a serviceman or woman or a descendant of either, and show financial need. Preference is given to medically related majors. Candidates must demonstrate some evidence of anticipated success in furthering their education with objectives consistent with the American way of life.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS counselor.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: The first Monday in April for the coming academic year and the first Monday in December for the spring term only. Turn in forms to the SHS counselor.
AWARD AMOUNT: Varies from $75 to $200, with two to four individuals awarded money annually. May reapply while in college. A check made payable to the school attended will be mailed directly to the institution upon proof of enrollment.
WILLIAMETTA MAE DARR SCHOLARSHIP FUND *
Williametta Mae Darr was a 1929 Stafford High School graduate. Willa Mae established the scholarship as part of her will in 1999.
ELIGIBILITY: The scholarship(s) are to be awarded to high school graduates from USD 349 or any successor school district which includes Stafford, Kansas, or its vicinity. First preference is to be given to a student(s) interested in pursuing an “art” major field. The second preference is for a major in the fine arts. If no student is pursuing that curriculum, then any qualified student will be considered.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS counselor.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: The initial completed application form must be returned to the SHS counselor by the first Monday in April. Renewal applications must be returned by January 15 and June 15 for the following semester.
AWARD AMOUNT: $625 per semester renewable for eight (8) semesters or four (4) years. (Summer school counts as one-half (0.5) semester.) Four or more scholarships may be awarded each year depending on the number of approved renewals and money available. A check made payable to the school attended will be mailed directly to the institution upon proof of enrollment. Must carry a 2.5 or better grade point average in each semester to receive additional awards. Total $5000
Walter E. Ewy Memorial Scholarship *
Established in 1979 by Elma Ewy in honor of the late Walter Ewy, long-time SHS principal. Of special importance to selection criteria are participation and leadership in school activities. This fund is administered by USD No. 349 and the United Methodist Church of Stafford.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate, participation and leadership in school and community activities, academic achievement, positive character traits, and, with all factors being relatively equal, financial need will be the determining factor in the selection of winning candidates.
APPLICATION PROCESS: A formal Local Scholarship Application may be obtained from the SHS counselor.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Application to be turned in to the high school counselor by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $150, one-time award. A check made payable to the school attended will be mailed directly to the institution upon proof of enrollment.
THE GEM SCHOLARSHIP *
Established in 1996 in honor of Gemma Austin’s interest and dedication to the Stafford Schools Educational System.
ELIGIBILITY: Stafford High School graduate who plans to attend any higher learning institution in Kansas. Students must show participation in school, community, and/or church activities. Students with financial needs and the highest grade point average will be strongly considered.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS counselor.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: The completed application form must be returned to the SHS counselor by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $500 ($250 per semester). A check made payable to the school attended will be mailed directly to the institution upon proof of enrollment.
HAROLD JENKINS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP *
A $10,000 memorial annuity was established by the family of the late Harold Jenkins, a lifetime farmer of Stafford County and SHS graduate. The fund is administered by the Stafford Lions Club and is awarded to the student who pursues an agriculturally-related program of study.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate, emphasis on participation and leadership in school and community, academic achievement, and financial need.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application available from the high school counselor.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: The application must be turned in to the high school counselor by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: Interest accrued on annuity divided between 1st and 2nd semesters.
LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP *
Funded and administered by the Stafford Lions Club. This award is to honor excellence in school involvement.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate, emphasis on participation and leadership in school and community activities and organizations, and academic achievement. With all factors being relatively equal, financial need will be the determining factor in the selection of the winning candidate.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application available from the high school counselor.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Due to high school counselor by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $100 to $200, one-time award.
KENNETH L. ODOM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP *
Established in honor of Kenneth L. Odom, long-time teacher, principal, and counselor in the Stafford school system, 1955-79. Especially important to selection criteria are participation and leadership in school and community activities.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate who plans to attend a vocational, junior college, or four-year college with a minimum of 12 college hours a semester. Emphasis on academic achievement, participation, and leadership in school activities, outstanding character traits, and service to the community.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the high school counselor.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Due to high school counselor by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $100, one-time award. A check made payable to the school will be mailed directly to the institution upon proof of enrollment.
PEO SCHOLARSHIP – CHAPTER BK *
Established by Chapter BK-PEO, an organization of women who promote the education of women.
ELIGIBILITY: Open to any graduating SHS female senior who plans to attend a vocational, junior/community college or a four-year college with a minimum of 12 college hours a semester.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the high school counselor.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Due to high school counselor by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $200 ($100 per semester), one-time award. A check made payable to the school attended will be mailed directly to the institution upon proof of enrollment each semester.
SANDIFER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP *
Established in 1971 by Marie Sandifer through a Methodist Foundation. After her death, the Methodist Church has continued with the scholarship to honor her.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate, participation and leadership in school and community activities, and academic achievement. With all other factors being relatively equal, financial need will be the determining factor in the selection of winning candidates.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the high school counselor.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Due to high school counselor by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: Varies from $250 to $300, with two usually given annually. A check made payable to the school attended will be mailed directly to the institution upon proof of enrollment.
J. R. AG SCHOLARSHIP*
Established in 2010 by Joshua and Rebecca Austin to promote future studies in agriculture and agricultural related fields.
ELIGIBLILITY: SHS graduate, that was active in FFA, with the desire to further his or her education through an agricultural related degree. The candidate must demonstrate leadership in the school as well as the community, academic achievement and financial need.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Application blank obtained from the AHA counselor.
AWARD AMOUNT: $500 ($250 per semester) A Check made payable to the school attended will be mailed to the institution upon proof of enrollment.
PAUL’S OILFIELD SERVICE, INC. SCHOLARSHIP*
Established in 2007 by Tim and Dawn Schreiber, supporters of higher education, leadership, and job skills.
ELIGIBILITY: Stafford High School graduate who plans to attend a 2 to 4-year college. Emphasis will be given to students who plan to major or minor in business, have a financial need, and have shown leadership achievement.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor. Due to the high school counselor by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $500-$1000 ($250-$500 per semester) A check made payable to the school attended will be mailed directly to the institution upon proof of enrollment. Must carry a 3.0 or better grade point average in the first semester to receive second-semester payment.
JTD DESIGN SCHOLARSHIP LLC*
Established in 2010 by Jason Dickson to promote future studies in computers and technology-related fields.
ELIGIBILITY: Stafford High School graduate who plans to attend a 2 to 4-year college in a computer-related field of study. The candidate must demonstrate leadership in the school as well as the community, academic achievement, and financial need.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor.
AWARD AMOUNT: $100.00 one-time payment with proof of enrollment.
AMERICAN LEGION AUX POST 131*
Established by American Legion Aux Post 131, supporters of higher education, leadership, and job skills.
ELIGIBILITY: Stafford High School graduates who are descendants of a veteran.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS counselor.
AWARD AMOUNT: $400 year - one a year
LEISURE HOMESTEAD SCHOLARSHIP*
Established by the Leisure Homestead to support and promote students in the area of health care.
ELIGIBILITY: Stafford High School graduates who are planning to major in a health science field. The candidate must demonstrate leadership in the school and community, academic achievement, and financial need.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS counselor.
AWARD AMOUNT: Amount varies A check made payable to the school attended will be mailed to the institution upon proof of enrollment.
FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES*
Established by the Stafford Fire Department and Emergency Services to support and promote a student who is going into health science or fire science.
ELIGIBILITY: Stafford High School graduate who is planning to major in fire science. The candidate must demonstrate leadership in the school as well as the community, academic achievement, and financial need.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor.
AWARD AMOUNT: Amount varies Funds sent directly to the institution with proof of enrollment.
NORMAN AND MARY HILDEBRAND SCHOLARSHIP*
In support of agriculture in Stafford Schools, Norman and May Hildebrand established this scholarship in 2024.
ELIGIBILITY: A Stafford High School graduate who will study in an ag-related field is preferred. A business-related field may be considered as an alternative, subject to a family decision.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor and turn it in by the first Monday in April. The scholarship application will include the applicant’s plans and where they see themselves in 10 years.
AWARD AMOUNT: $1,000.00 per year, $500.00 per semester, contingent upon maintaining a 2.50 GPA. The student will send an acknowledgment of appreciation for the Scholarship to Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrand or those designated to receive the acknowledgment.
MEYER ELECTRIC, INC SCHOLARSHIP*
Established by Jeff and Nancee Meyer, this scholarship was created to assist students interested in the trades.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduates with military connections within the family are given first preference as are students who are pursuing a career in electrical, HVAC, or plumping trades. The selection committee will consider school involvement and work experiences.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor and turn it in by the first Monday in April. The scholarship application will include the applicant’s plans and where they see themselves in 10 years.
AWARD AMOUNT: $500 per year.
MURPHY/NEWELL SCHOLARSHIP*
Established to honor Darrell Murphy and his wife Thelma (Newell). Darrell was a Stafford math teacher and a farmer. He was a member of the Stafford Church of Christ and Stafford Education Foundation Board of Directors. Prioritize: Education, Math, Music,
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor and turn in by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $2000 per year (Ask Darlene how she distributes the funds) - 2 a year
QUIVIRA INSURANCE SCHOLARSHIP*
Established by Phyllis Hagar.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor and turn in by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $500 per year
MELODY ANNE POOLE SCHOLARSHIP*
Established by Carolyn Poole in memory of her daughter, Melody.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor and turn it in by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $250 per year
STAFFORD COUNTY FARM BUREAU SCHOLARSHIP
Established by the Kansas Farm Bureau Association.
ELIGIBILITY: A Stafford County senior and family membership in Stafford County Farm Bureau Association is required. Preference will be given to an applicant with a college agriculture-related major. Must be enrolled in at least 12 college credit hours per semester.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Stafford County Farm Bureau Association provides their own application. Release on March 1. Must be mailed to Stafford County Farm Bureau, 306 N. Main, PO Box 308, St. John, KS 67576 by April 1.
AWARD AMOUNT: $500 per year ($250 a semester) Scholarship will be awarded when documentation of enrollment is provided to the Stafford County Farm Bureau’s office for each semester’s installment.
STAFFORD METHODIST SCHOLARSHIP*
Established by Stafford First United Methodist Church.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate. Preference will be given to members of the Stafford First United Methodist Church.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor and turn it in by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $ per year
TAD REID SCHOLARSHIP*
Established in honor of Theodore “Tad” Reid. Reid was an army engineer, educator, and coach.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate. Preference will be given to members of the Stafford First United Methodist Church.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor and turn it in by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $ Varies
SWEETWATER RANCH SCHOLARSHIP*
Established to provide scholarships to those with great potential.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor and turn it in by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $200 one-time scholarship
RIDERS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 131 SCHOLARSHIP*
Established to provide a student who truly needs and deserves assistance.
ELIGIBILITY: SHS graduate and a citizen of the United States. The candidate will have demonstrated by their behavior that they believe in the American way of life. Preference is given to students with a relative who has served in any branch of the United States military. Candidates must have a will to graduate college and a need for assistance to do so. Grades are important as they reflect a willingness to work hard. The recipient of the scholarship will be determined by the Legion Riders.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Used to have a separate application, but now students complete a formal Local Scholarship Application obtained from the SHS Counselor and turn it in by the first Monday in April.
AWARD AMOUNT: $250 one-time scholarship upon proof of enrollment in an accredited college or trade school