Norma Ross Walter Scholarship

Name: Norma Ross Walter Scholarship

Award Amount: Up to $3,000 (three awards available)

Information And Eligibility:
The Norma Ross Walter Scholarship is an established scholarship fund administered by the Willa Cather Foundation, dedicated to supporting academically promising young women from Nebraska who plan to pursue a college education in English. Named in memory of Norma Ross Walter — a Navy Wave during World War II, a respected newspaper editor, and a lifelong admirer of Willa Cather’s literary work — this scholarship reflects her commitment to education, creativity, and character. The fund was created through her generous bequest to support young women who demonstrate intellectual promise and a passion for the written word.

Each year, three scholarships are awarded to eligible high school seniors, with amounts typically distributed among first, second, and third place recipients. The highest award often reaches $3,000, with additional awards for runners-up. These funds are payable at the beginning of the recipient’s first year of college and are intended to assist with essential education costs such as tuition, required fees, textbooks, and other academic expenses related to pursuing an English major.

Selection for the Norma Ross Walter Scholarship is based on a holistic review of a student’s academic record, intellectual curiosity, creative potential, and personal character rather than solely on grades. Applicants who submit thoughtful, well-written essays or creative work that convey their love for literature, understanding of artistic expression, and future academic goals tend to be especially competitive. The scholarship’s emphasis on English as a major underscores the foundation’s goal of fostering future leaders in writing, literature, and communication fields.

In addition to the financial award itself, recipients may gain recognition within the Nebraska literary and academic community. Past winners have come from a broad range of Nebraska high schools, demonstrating how this scholarship helps enrich the cultural and educational landscape of the region. The application process encourages students to reflect deeply on their academic ambitions and to articulate the influence that literature, and particularly the work of Willa Cather, has had on their intellectual development.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a graduating female high school senior.
• Must be a resident of Nebraska.
• Must plan to enroll as a first-year college student in an accredited college or university.
• Must intend to major in English or a closely related literature field.
• Must demonstrate intellectual promise, creativity, and strong character.

Application Requirements:

• Completed Norma Ross Walter Scholarship application.
• Official high school transcript.
• Essay or written work demonstrating literary interest and academic goals.
• Letters of recommendation or references.
• Any additional supplemental materials required by the Willa Cather Foundation.

Deadline: January

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