Ruth A. Buckhannon memorial scholarship for Scott County set up

An annual scholarship has been set up through the First Baptist Church of Chaffee, Mo., to be awarded to a 2007 graduating senior of any Scott County high school who plans to become a registered nurse. The amount of the scholarship is $4,000.

This is the first year for the scholarship in memory of Ruth A. Buckhannon, who died in November 2003.

About Buckhannon

Buckhannon was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church in Chaffee. She graduated from Chaffee High School in 1926, and attended Will Mayfield College in Marble Hill, Mo.

When she had to leave college during the Great Depression to help at home, she went to work at the local bank in Chaffee and became their first female bank teller and later assistant cashier. After marrying and having children, she served as financial secretary at her church for 34 years.

Buckhannon took care of her husband in their home for more than 10 years after he suffered a debilitating stroke, and also raised four young daughters.

Buckhannon was active with the youth of her church and the community, and was a piano teacher for many years.

How to apply

Applications and details can be obtained from Chaffee High School counselor Brandi Ritter at (573) 887-3226 or the First Baptist Church of Chaffee at (573) 887-3237.

In addition to a completed application, applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from nonrelatives and write an essay describing why they want to become a registered nurse and why they should be awarded the Ruth A. Buckhannon Memorial RN Scholarship.

The deadline for completed applications is April 16. The scholarship committee consists of the pastor, selected members of First Baptist Church of Chaffee, and Darla D. Buckhannon.