CFOZARKS.ORG/Scholarships
Donors support hometowns, encourage careers in agriculture and nursing
The CFO holds more than 430 named scholarship funds established by generous donors over the last few decades. This year, 12 of those funds will award scholarships for the first time.
One example is the John and Naomi Montgomery Scholarship Fund established last year through a bequest by the couple's estate. The planned gift by the longtime Houston residents will award a $5,000 scholarship this year.
“This donation establishing the John and Naomi Montgomery Scholarship Fund will impact the students of Houston High School at a level that, to date, has never been achievable,” said Ron Reed, past board chair of the Houston Community Foundation. “Our gratitude to the family goes much deeper than just words can express.”
Representatives from the Houston Community Foundation board and the CFO announced the establishing donation of the John and Naomi Montgomery Scholarship Fund in August 2019. “The decision the family has made in leaving a legacy to Houston is the first of what will be hopefully many more in the future,” said Ron Reed, past board chair of HCF. “It’s important to note also that this gift is unending and will continue to grow forever.”
The Montgomery Scholarship is renewable for an additional three years for a potential total of $20,000, and will award more scholarships in the future — benefiting future graduates of Houston High School forever.
Other scholarships available for the first time in 2020 — and for many years to come — support students in other communities. Donors establish scholarship funds for reasons such as honoring the memory of loved ones, supporting their alma maters, and giving back to their hometowns.
Donors also establish funds to encourage students with specific career aspirations or who come from particular backgrounds. This year’s new scholarships focus on students pursuing degrees or certifications in agriculture, nursing and teaching, and one for students who have participated in Lost & Found's grief-counseling program.
Applications for these new scholarships and the 400-plus other scholarships administered by the CFO open on Feb. 1.
Scholarships awarding for the first time in 2020
- Clonts Anderson Scholarship: For graduating El Dorado Springs High School seniors who are female
- James Craig Carr Memorial Scholarship: For participants of the Lost & Found program
- Royce Fugate OMC Scholarship: For employees of Ozarks Medical Center in West Plain who are CNAs and entering an LPN program
- Hands to Work Hearts to God Scholarship: For graduating Carthage High School seniors applying to technical training or vocational schools
- Patricia Higham Scholarship: For students attending Mercy College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Southwest Baptist University
- Edgar L. Howard Scholarship: For seniors graduating from high schools in Taney County
- Max & Doris King Memorial Scholarship: For graduating Ash Grove High School seniors pursuing agriculture degrees
- Mary Lay Scholarship: For seniors graduating from high schools in Benton County; established by the Mary Lay Trust
- John & Naomi Montgomery Scholarship: For graduating Houston High School seniors
- George Nixon Agriculture Scholarship: For Strafford High School graduates entering their third or fourth year of college pursuing agriculture degrees
- Eunice M. Ploeger Scholarship: For graduating Hermann High School seniors pursuing teaching degrees
- Jack Purinton Agricultural Scholarship: For graduating Lamar High School seniors with an interest in agriculture
