SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN THROUGH APRIL 14, 2024

The Norman J. Herndon Scholarship has been established to honor its namesake, who died in 2013.  For 30 years Norman was a school administrator in several districts in North Missouri, with his last position being with the Kearney, Missouri, schools.  He served there as Superintendent from 1969 through 1986.  During that period the district experienced unparalleled growth, tripling in size both in terms of students and staff.  He oversaw its transformation from a rural to a suburban school system.  The district still today benefits from his decisions and foresight.

Norman and his wife, Mary Lou, have four children and seven grandchildren, all of whom graduated from Kearney High School.  There are currently five of their great-grandchildren who are students at Kearney.

The scholarship has been funded by generous donations from individuals and organizations including the Knights of Columbus Council in Kearney, Missouri.

The scholarship of $2,000 per year will be awarded each spring to a graduate of Kearney High School.  The applicant will be required to fill out a short application online and the recipient determined by Norman’s family.  Applications are due not later than April 14, 2024.

The following criteria will be used in determining the winner, with none of the criteria being considered as being absolutely necessary, or causing any applicant to be excluded.  The only individuals who will be ineligible are family members.

• Interest in pursuing a career in teaching
• Academic accomplishments, considered more in terms of hard work, diligence, and achievement as opposed to high grade point or test scores
• Participation in varsity athletics
• Interest in attending Truman State University (Norman’s alma mater)
• Record of Community Service
• Being a member of the Knights of Columbus, or being a child or grandchild of a member