George T. & Helen S. Duckworth Scholarship

George and Helen Duckworth became residents of Warren County in the 1980s. They were children of the depression and knew the struggles of living with little. George was a World War II veteran and completed several college degrees through the VA program. Helen was an executive secretary. George became a teacher, and substitute taught in the Wright City R-II School District for many years. They both volunteered at the Missouri Extension Center for many years in various roles. Through their hard work, determination, very frugal living and a huge commitment to their community, they saved in order to leave a legacy to the youth of Warren County. This scholarship is the culmination of their lifetime of work and their final gift back to the community.

Their desire was not to create another academic scholarship based on a student’s above average grades, but based on a student who shows a true desire and an ability to succeed.

Thanks to the gift of George and Helen Duckworth, the Wright City R-II School District Foundation (Foundation) will award a renewable scholarship equal to the average annual tuition of all public four-year universities in the state of Missouri or the student’s actual tuition, fees, room and board, whichever is less. The scholarship will be renewable if the student a) maintains a full-time student status (12 or more hours per semester) and be in good standing (not currently on academic or disciplinary probation) with the educational institution, b) maintains a 2.5 or more cumulative G.P.A., and c) volunteers in the community for a minimum of 30 hours in the year prior to renewal. All three (3) requirements for renewal must be communicated/documented to the Foundation by September 15th in order for the renewal to occur for the Fall term. The first two (2) requirements for renewal must be communicated/documented to the Foundation by February 15th in order for the renewal to occur for the Spring term.

This scholarship may be used for trade/technical school, two-year, four-year, or graduate school degrees. Any student who attends Wright City High School wanting to continue their education is encouraged to apply.

Scholarship selection criteria will be based on the categories below:
• Average Abilities: A student’s cumulative grade-point average and standardized test results shall be used to determine eligibility. Please provide a complete copy of your high school transcript.
• Desire to continue their education: A student’s desire to continue their education as determined by the student and individuals who know the student, such as counselors, teachers, advisors, managers and others who have a special insight to the student’s desires and goals shall be taken into consideration. Please provide three letters of recommendation.
• Financial Need: A student’s access to funds shall be taken into consideration when selecting a student for a scholarship. Please complete the attached Financial Need form in its entirety.
• Community Involvement: The Duckworth’s felt very strongly about giving back and we want to hear about what you have been doing to give back. A student who participates in organizations and/or non-profits that benefit the community or a specific group shall be considered. Please provide a detailed list of your community service during your high school years: (including extra-curricular activities, offices held, positions held, youth organizations, awards received and employment). In addition, provide any volunteering activities and who the beneficiary was. We would also be interested in hearing about your good deeds.
• Interview: The George and Helen Duckworth scholarship committee will conduct interviews. Please come dressed professionally as if you were interviewing for a job. You will be asked approximately
10-15 questions during an approximate 20 minute period.

**Scholarship Restrictions:
*A student who is affiliated with or related to the Wright City R-II School District, as a teacher, school board member, Scholarship or Foundation committee member, or similar person or entity that may exert influence on the Scholarship Committee shall be ineligible for a scholarship.
*Any student who completes any doctoral degree shall be ineligible for a scholarship.

Contact support@myscholarshipcentral.org with any questions