Woodward, Okla. — The Oklahoma Hall of Fame isn't just about celebrating past accomplishments, the organization also seeks to inspire future achievements.

That is why starting in 2010, the Oklahoma Heritage Association and Gaylord-Pickens Museum began recognizing one outstanding Oklahoma high school senior with an Oklahoma Hall of Fame scholarship.  The award is for a total of $5,000, spread over 4 years of college.

"The scholarship was created by Oklahoma Hall of Fame members who wanted to encourage and inspire the next generation of Oklahoma leaders," said Shelly B. Rowan, marketing director for the Oklahoma Heritage Association Hall of Fame.

Each year the award recognizes one high school senior who has demonstrated a high level of leadership, civic/community involvement, academic achievement, and knowledge of and pride in Oklahoma.

Nominations for the 2012 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Scholarship are currently being accepted.



APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Students may be nominated by a teacher, school administrator, or an adult not related to the student, Rowan said.

As part of the nomination form, students must write a brief essay explaining why they are proud to be an Oklahoman, why it is important to them to attend an Oklahoma university, and what they hope to contribute to the state in their lifetime.

In addition, the form asks the student to list his or her leadership roles and experience, acts of volunteerism and good citizenship, and academic achievement including overall GPA and scholastic awards.

The application packet must also include a copy of the student's ACT/SAT scores; an official copy of the student's high school transcript; a letter from the student describing which college/university he or she plans to attend, the major or general field of study, and plans after college; as well as a one-page recommendation letter.

Recipients must attend a college in Oklahoma to be eligible to receive the scholarship, Rowan said.

"What they major in does not matter," Rowan said. "The previously-noted requirements, and the Oklahoma residency, are the most important."

Rowan said nominations are due by Sept. 21, and the application may be downloaded from oklahomaheritage.com.  

A committee of Hall of Fame members will then review the scholarship applications to select the winner, Rowan said.

She said the scholarship recipient will be honored during the 2012 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony on Nov. 15 at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center.

The 2 previous scholarship winners were from Pauls Valley and Bishop McGuinness High School in Oklahoma City, Rowan said. Those students now attend Oklahoma State and the University of Tulsa respectively.



OTHER SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

In the spring, Rowan said 9th through 12th grade students will be offered a chance to compete for a share of more than $700,000 in scholarships and tuition from the Oklahoma Heritage Association.

As part of the Oklahoma Heritage Scholarship Competition, high school students take a test on Oklahoma history, with the top scorers in each county receiving a cash scholarship or tuition grant to an Oklahoma college.  According to the Oklahoma Heritage Association website, "Most counties have at least three scholarships available."

However, a list of winners for the 2012 competition only lists one winner for Woodward County.  This past spring Jeff Weidermann, a senior from Woodward High School, received a $1,000 tuition grant from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

"The amount of the award is currently $1,000, but that may be increased," Rowan said. "That will also be determined in the spring."

The Oklahoma Heritage Association and Gaylord-Pickens Museum also offer a $10,000 John W. and Mary D. Nichols scholarship to high school seniors who demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of Oklahoma History.  A downloadable application form for the 2013 award, is available at oklahomaheritage.com

For more information about any of the scholarships offered by the Oklahoma Heritage Association may contact Gini Moore Campbell, director of publications and education, by phone at (405) 523-3202 or by e-mail at gmc@oklahomaheritage,com