William Roy Keene Memorial Scholarship
Christopher Michael Lee established this scholarship in 2022 to honor Roy Keene, his teacher, mentor and father figure, to provide an annual college scholarship to one or more graduating Byrd students.
Roy had a passion for teaching and during his twenty-five plus years as a teacher, he was recognized as Teacher of the Year at C. E. Byrd, and PTSA Educator of Distinction. The awards continued into his retirement. Roy will be remembered for his quick wit and unique teaching style. He dedicated many years to the Byrd Student Council and was instrumental in creating the Byrd talent show, the famous Buzz Fest, and the cookbook published by Roy’s students council is a reflection of Roy’s two great passions – teaching and cooking.
In 1995, Roy opened his home to Chris Lee, a young man and Byrd student, who needed a home. In that arrangement Chris found more than a home, he gained a family. The following year both Chris and Roy adopted each other. Chris will forever credit Roy with giving him the gift of love, family, trust and commitment. While the connection was unconventional, God delivered a strong father-son combination to the world. Roy embraced his role as father, but the role he truly excelled at was that of grandpa. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Zachary J. Harris Memorial Scholarship
The Zachary J. Harris Memorial Scholarship was established in February 2022 by April P. Harris and Amy M. Brumfield to assist worthy seniors graduating from Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville, Louisiana pursue a degree at a Louisiana University. Preference will be given to students attending Louisiana Tech University. Zachary J. Harris was born on June 10, 1991 in Covington, Louisiana. He was a graduate of Fontainebleau High School and Louisiana Tech University. He was a science teacher at Quitman High School and coached track and field winning the state championship. Zach graduated with his EdD in Educational Leadership from Louisiana Tech University. He was a friend to all, a runner, cyclist, and an avid outdoorsman, who loved to hunt and fish. Zach loved Louisiana Tech and the Ruston community. His final act to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation impacted multiple families of both Louisiana and Texas. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Lt. General (Ret.) Edgar Starr Harris, Jr. Scholarship
The Lt. General (Ret.) Edgar Starr Harris, Jr. Scholarship was established in 2010 to benefit students planning to pursue a professional career in the United States military. Preference is given to students interested in a career with the U.S. Air Force and to dependents of Air Force members currently serving or who have served at Barksdale Air Force Base. The scholarship is named in honor of Lt. General (Ret.) Edgar Starr Harris, Jr., who served as commander of the Eighth Air Force, Strategic Air Command, with headquarters at Barksdale Air Force Base. Each applicant must submit a copy of his or her official transcript, a resume and an original essay on why he or she has chosen to pursue a professional career in the U.S. military. The essay shall not exceed 500 words in length. Applications will be judged based in the student’s clarity of expression, demonstrated integrity and evidence of a desire to serve others. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Evelyn Holcomb Hightower Scholarship
The Evelyn Holcomb Hightower Scholarship was established in 1995 by William Hightower and Dr. Patricia Bates to assist worthy Homer High School graduates in pursuit of their studies at Louisiana state-supported colleges or universities. Each applicant must be a Homer High School graduating senior with an overall grade point average of 3.4 or higher and must be among the top 10 or 10 percent of the graduating class. He or she must submit a one- or two-page, single-spaced, typed essay that demonstrates academic accomplishments, evidence of leadership and involvement in community and school activities. Financial need may be a consideration in the selection. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Thomas E. (Tem) McElroy, Jr. Scholarship Fund
The Thomas E. (Tem) McElroy, Jr. Scholarship will be awarded to a Byrd High School senior who chooses to study science and engineering in college with excellent academic record, leadership skills and community involvement. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The George Thurman Norton and Sue Annie Tinsley Norton Memorial Fund
The George Thurman Norton and Sue Annie Tinsley Norton Memorial Fund was established in 1998 by James A. (Dolph) Norton and Fay-Tyler Norton (Mrs. James A.) to recognize and encourage the further education of graduates of Haynesville High School in Claiborne Parish. From among prospective graduates of Haynesville High School, the recipient should be the student whose educational achievements and community citizenship most warrant recognition the year of the award. The graduate should be exemplary for study accomplishments and community service. This is not a renewable award. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Eugene C. and Gertrude S. Ozag Scholarship
The Eugene C. and Gertrude S. Ozag Scholarship was established February 2003 by John Mudd to help defray the educational costs for students majoring in human resources or a related field of study. The fund benefits the Northern Illinois Society of Human Resource Management (NISHRM). The NISHRM selects one student each year to receive the award. The successful applicant must be enrolled in college-level classes and maintain at least 15 credit hours, must have completed at least two courses related to the field of human resources, must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of college credits, must have earned the equivalent of a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Additionally, he or she must be pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, must demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and/or commitment to community service, and must demonstrate an active involvement in extracurricular activities and programs within the school or through outside organizations. Student membership in the Society of Human Resource Management may weigh in an applicant’s favor. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Shreveport Geological Society Scholarship
The Shreveport Geological Society Scholarship was established in 1986 to award scholarships and provide financial aid to worthy students for their study of geology at an accredited institution at either the graduate or undergraduate level. Applicants must be enrolled in, or be about to enroll in, an accredited educational institution that has a department or course of study in the field of geology. Applicants must exhibit some need for financial assistance in order to enable them to complete their course of geological studies. Applicants also must show sufficient academic ability to enable them to complete courses of study necessary to graduate. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
The Springhill High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund
The Springhill High School Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 to benefit one graduating senior annually from Springhill High School (now North Webster High School) in Springhill, Louisiana. The award is not renewable. Selection criteria include scholarship, leadership, character and community service.
The W. B. and Esther Tinsley Memorial Fund Scholarship
The W. B. and Esther Tinsley Memorial Fund Scholarship was established August 2000 by Travis Tinsley and his son. It provides opportunities for rising college sophomores who graduated from Homer High School in Claiborne Parish to continue their education. This scholarship recognizes a lifelong connection of the Tinsley family to education and Homer High School. The eligible applicant each year is a graduating senior of Homer High School. As designed, this scholarship should be awarded to a student in their sophomore year of college, pending GPA, to whom it will make a difference in whether or not he or she will be able to continue his or her education. Preference will be given to students pursuing a degree in the natural sciences or related fields. The recipient should have good moral character, good deportment, be highly motivated and be able to pass entrance requirements of a college or university in the state of Louisiana. This is not a renewable award. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
E. Margaret Wall Scholarship
E. Margaret Wall Scholarship was established for a deserving graduate of Zwolle or Ebarb High School. The selection criteria for this scholarship is as follows: benefit a graduating senior from Zwolle or Ebarb High School; must NOT be the valedictorian or salutatorian; have at least a 2.0 grade point average for the four years of high school and earn an ACT score sufficient to enter an approved higher education institution; maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average at a four year higher educational institution; and have public or community service, charitable or civic achievements, and extracurricular activities. To apply please contact the Zwolle or Ebarb High School guidance counselor.
Rowena and Henry Kirsch Fund
Rowena and Henry Kirsch Fund was established Nov. 1981 by Henry A. Kirsch primarily to provide scholarships for deserving students who attend educational institutions in the state of Louisiana. Applicants must be nominated by the Rabbi of B’Nai Zion Temple. Applications will be reviewed based on the academic achievements and whether the student is deserving of a scholarship award. Required are a letter of recommendation from the Rabbi of B’Nai Zion Congregation and a letter of recommendation from the high school counselor, or a high school or college or university teacher.
The eligible applicant must be either a high school graduate, hold a GED certificate, or be a senior high school student with a GPA of 3.0. Applicants who have been enrolled in college for at least one semester must have a college GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants who are high school graduates but who are not presently or previously enrolled in college must have an 80 on a 100 scale. A current transcript is required. Please contact B’nai Zion for additional information.
Colonel Steven L. dePyssler Mount Carmel High School Scholarship
Named after Colonel Steven L. dePyssler, this scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors of Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago, Illinois. When asked why he established the scholarship, Colonel dePyssler reported, “I owe my success in life to my four years at Mt. Carmel High School. Someone paid for my four years of those scholarships, and I need to pay back those scholarships.” Colonel dePyssler retired from the United States Air Force in 1979 after 38 years of active duty, including serving in World War II, the Korean War, the French-Indo China War, and Vietnam. The first scholarships were awarded in 2019 in honor of Colonel dePyssler’s 100th birthday. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.
Colonel Steven L. dePyssler Mission Support Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was created in honor of Colonel Steven L. dePyssler and provides scholarships for students who are dependents of active duty men or women at Barksdale Air Force Base. Colonel dePyssler retired from the United States Air Force in 1979 after 38 years of active duty, including serving in World War II, the Korean War, the French-Indo China War, and Vietnam. Please apply using the Scholarship Portal.