Scholarships

The scholarship is awarded in memory of G.M. and Kathleen Allen.  They dedicated countless hours of their lives to supporting the community of Harrisonville.

To be eligible, the applicant must:

1. Demonstrate financial need
2. Be graduating from Harrisonville High School with a desire to attend college
3. Be involved in school or community activities or work after school
4. Top 25% of the class

The GM & Kathleen Allen Memorial Scholarship

• Sophia Morris, 2026
• Jaeli Mitchell, 2025
• Kirsten Talley, 2024
• Leah Harris, 2023
• Chloe Shepard, 2022

Presented annually to a senior based on athletic and academic achievements, as well as community and school activities. Funded through an endowment established by the Childress family. To be eligible, the applicant:

1. Shall graduate from Harrisonville High School.
2. Shall have outstanding academic scholarship and have been accepted into a program of advanced education and training.
3. Shall be of good citizenship.
4. Shall have achieved high athletic achievement.

Stephen & Virginia Childress Athletic Award
Erin Mercer, 2026
Kayleigh Norris, 2025
Brooklyn Rhoney 2024
Kennedy Smalley 2023
Jace Reynolds 2022
Kobe Norris 2021
Carson Crowley 2020
Bailey Kliewer 2019
Anna Saffels 2018
Austin Campbell 2017
Kristen Koch 2016
Melissa Watson  
2015 Matthew Prindle
2014 Anisa Alexander 2013
Joe Hunter 2012
Chance Alexander 2011
Maksim Korolev 2010
Jacob McKinnis 2009
Brian Kagarice 2008
Jacob Hunter 2007
Allison Poulignot 2006
Jeff Hedrick 2005
Ben Crowe 2004
Bryce Gray 2003
Kyle Moles 2002
Katie Walker 2001
Ryan Maid 2000
Jeannine Doughty 1999
Sarah Rockey 1998
Willie Pruitt 1997
Jeremy Hamilton 1996
Jamie Hawley 1995
Jeanne Cook 1994
Bridgett Gunnels 1993
Shannon Mathes 1992
Amy Legendre 1991
Christina Sternberg 1990
Chris Hoge 1989
Cliff Purcell 1988
Michael Bandre 1987
Kelly Donohoe 1986
Michael Sellberg 1985
Jeff Humbard 1984
Jerry Lampe 1983
Kay Wright 1982
Scott White 1981
Randy Welhoff 1980
Steve Catron 1979

Presented annually to seniors based on academic achievement, good citizenship, and financial need. Funded through an endowment established by Will Ella Deacon. To be eligible, the applicant:

1. Shall be a graduate from Harrisonville High School.
2. Shall have outstanding academic scholarship and have been accepted into a program of advanced education and training.
3. Shall be of good citizenship.
4. Shall demonstrate financial need

The Trustees will give preference to those applicants who plan to pursue a career in the medical/nursing profession. The scholarship amount is $1,000.00.

William G. & Nettie Z. Deacon Family Scholarships

• Kaydence Grigsby, Alyssa Hughes, Brezlynn Jones, Annalise Malicoat, and Annie Rhoney, 2026

• Taylor Jennings, Addison Billings, and LeAine Caruthers, 2025
• McKenzie Meeks, Miranda Fisher, 2024
• Alex Bullock, Piper Coppedge, Alexis Walker 2023
• Melaina Beachner, Emily Joseph, Madelyn Wilson, 2022
• Elizabeth Bostic, Jaden Boyer, Kaelin Holden, 2021
• Caitlyn Costner, Bradley Cox, MaKayla Knight, Karley Reynolds, Amy Tracy, 2020
• Briseida Chavez & Kelsey Campbell, 2019
• Samantha Bylina, Mara Davis, Kelsie Donovan, Jessica Karg, Nicholas Laughlin, Audrey Welhoff, 2018
• Austin Campbell, Jake Holden, Micaela Roberts, Aubrey Valentich, 2017
• Micaela Edwards & Lexie Schrock 2016
• Anna DeVenney & Jordan Ours  2015 Esmeralda Chavez & Annie Mulvey 2014 Kaley Harkrader & Brooke Riley 2013
• Mary Baer 2012
• Clint Harkrader 2011
• Hillary Buffa 2010
• Ashleigh Eastwood 2010
• Jessie Friedrich 2009
• Jesse Wheeldon 2009
• Lindsey Stadler 2008
• Matthew Watson 2008
• Ben Warner 2008
• Abey Douglas 2007
• Amanda Holden 2007
• Ragela Scavuzzo 2007
• Tara Neal 2007
• Stephanie Morriss 2006
• Amanda Webster 2005

This scholarship award, in memory of Linda Dickey, is established to encourage and support the graduating senior who has expressed an interest in pursuing a career in education.  The individual for whom the award is named was a dedicated elementary teacher in the Harrisonville School District for 27 years.

The senior candidate for this award will exemplify the following attributes:  

• Strong character, honesty and integrity
• A stated desire to pursue a 4-year degree in education at an accredited college, university or academy or a two-year degree at an accredited community college.

Requirements:

To be considered for the Linda Dickey Memorial Scholarship, a student must meet the following criteria: 

• Be a graduating senior in good standing at Harrisonville High School
• At the time of application, the student must have a GPA of 3.0 or above
• Complete the application for the scholarship
• Complete the essay as required on the application
  • Essay Prompt: What made you decide to pursue a career in education

The Linda Dickey Memorial Scholarship

• Abigail Coffey & Megan Lalman
• Aron Jones, 2025
• Jaeda Hasam & Emma Schrock, 2024
• Lauren Durnell, 2023
• Presley Zaring, 2022

Presented annually to a Harrisonville senior who has been active in the Cass Career Center Agriculture program and/or FFA Chapter. Funded through an endowment established by John & Wanda Foster. To be eligible, the applicant:

1. Shall graduate from Harrisonville High School. 
2. Shall demonstrate leadership in the Cass Career Center Agriculture Program and/or FFA chapter
3. Shall give back to his/her community through service activities.
4. Shall have outstanding academic scholarship.
5. Shall have been accepted into a program of advanced education and training (2- or 4-year college or university)

This scholarship is renewable annually for a second year based on the recipient’s grade point average. The recipient must provide the Foundation with proof of a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of each year (annual GPA, not cumulative) and a 250-word essay on how the scholarship has helped them to receive the annual payment.
 

John & Wanda Foster Ag Scholarship

• Guillermo Ramirez, 2026

• Joseph Wray, 2025
• Case Mezler 2024
• Josie Moore 2023
• Morgan Kampe 2022
• Trevor Campbell 2021 Meadow Vassar 2020
• Ethan Kohl 2019 Nick McCLeave 2018
• Zach Bolinger 2017
• Mikaila Livingston 2016 

Presented annually to a Harrisonville senior who has positively impacted the community during his/her time at Harrisonville High School. Funded through an endowment established by John Foster. To be eligible, the applicant:

1. Shall graduate from Harrisonville High School.
2. Shall have outstanding academic scholarship.
3. Shall have been accepted into a program of advanced education and training (2- or 4-year college or university).
4. Shall show evidence of making a positive impact on the community of Harrisonville.

This scholarship is renewable annually for a second year based on the recipient’s grade point average. The recipient must provide the Foundation with proof of a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of each year (annual GPA, not cumulative) and a 250-word essay on how the scholarship has helped them to receive the annual payment.

2026 - Brezlynn Jones
2025 - Jackson Shrout
2024 - Dayton Hoffman

Presented annually to a Harrisonville senior planning to study nursing. Funded through an endowment established by John & Wanda Foster. To be eligible, the applicant:

1. Shall graduate from Harrisonville High School.
2. Shall have outstanding academic scholarship.
3. Shall have been accepted into a program of advanced education and training (2- or 4-year college or university).
4. Shall be planning to study nursing
5. Preference will be given to students who have completed the Cass Career Center Health Services program

This scholarship is renewable annually for a second year based on the recipient’s grade point average. The recipient must provide the Foundation with proof of a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of each year (annual GPA, not cumulative) and a 250-word essay on how the scholarship has helped them to receive the annual payment.

The John & Wanda Foster Healthcare Scholarship
Brezlynn Jones, 2026
Addison Billings, 2025
Dani Knight, 2024
Gael Rios, 2023

Presented annually to a Harrisonville senior planning to study building trades, architecture, civil engineering or other related field. Funded through an endowment established by John & Wanda Foster. To be eligible, the applicant:

1. Shall graduate from Harrisonville High School.
2. Shall have outstanding academic scholarship.
3. Shall have been accepted into a program of advanced education and training (2- or 4-year college or university)
4. Shall be studying the field of building trades, architecture, civil engineering or other related field.   This scholarship is renewable annually for a second year based on the recipient’s grade point average. The recipient must provide the Foundation with proof of a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of each year (annual GPA, not cumulative) and a 250-word essay on how the scholarship has helped them to receive the annual payment.  

John & Wanda Foster Construction Trades Scholarship

• Tyson Wyatt-Smith, 2026
• Cooper Elifrits, 2025
• Brooklyn Rhoney, 2024
• Kale Weber, 2023
• Jaxon Menshing 2022
• Colin Caruthers 2021
• Ethan Inman 2020
• Peyton Holden 2019
• Jack Dahn 2018
• Spencer Proch 2017
• Tania Chavez 2016
• Cole Welhoff  2015
• Kyle Hix 2014
• Matthew Baer 2013
• Taylor Morse 2012
• Dillon Kliewer 2011
• Kenton Hawley 2010
• Cole Vansell 2009
• Rachel Birchmeier 2008  

This scholarship award, in memory of Joseph Hardin Gwathmey and Laura May Gwathmey, is established to encourage and support the graduating Senior who has expressed an interest in pursuing a career in engineering or business. The individuals for whom the award is named were long-time residents of Harrisonville.  They used their education, talents and volunteer service to benefit their community. 

The Senior candidate for this award will exemplify the following attributes:  

• A stated desire to pursue a 4-year degree in engineering or business at an accredited college/university or a two-year degree at an accredited community college 
• An exemplary student and citizen involved in school and/or community activities
• A commitment to honesty and gratitude
• A sense of curiosity and an innovative spirit to see opportunities where others only see problems
• A dedication to inclusivity and respect for others

Requirements

To be considered for the Joseph Hardin Gwathmey and Laura May Gwathmey Memorial Scholarship Award in Engineering or Business, a student must meet the following criteria: 

• Be a graduating Senior in good standing at Harrisonville Senior High School
• At the time of application, the student must have a GPA of 3.6 or above
• Provide three letters of recommendation, one of which is from a current teacher, attesting to the applicant’s desire for a career in engineering or business, as well as commenting on the applicant’s citizenship, leadership and commitment to the community.
• The successful candidate must include a two to three-page essay (double spaced) on one of the following topics: 
  • Describe the reasons you are interested in studying engineering and/or business.  What events led up to your decision and how do you see yourself working in either of these fields.
  • Describe a situation where your leadership skills successfully helped to work through issues and advance a project for your school and/or community. 
  • Describe the volunteer activities you have done, the reason you chose these activities, what you were able to achieve and how you balanced school and community commitments.  

January 2022 - Foundation Announces Scholarship for Business or Engineering

The Harrisonville Public School Foundation will begin presenting a new scholarship for Harrisonville High School seniors pursuing college degrees in engineering or business in May 2022. The $750 scholarship — named The Joseph Hardin Gwathmey and Laura May Gwathmey Memorial Scholarship Award for Engineering or Business — will be awarded each year to a senior who demonstrates school and community involvement, a commitment to honesty and gratitude, a sense of curiosity and an innovative spirit, and a dedication to inclusivity and respect for others.

The Gwathmey family established the scholarship through an endowment with the Foundation. The Foundation will name the scholarship’s first recipient at the 2022 Senior Excellence in Academics Ceremony.

Candidates must have a 3.6 GPA; provide three  letters of recommendation’ and write an essay to describe the reasons you are interested in studying engineering and/or business, describe a situation where your leadership skills successfully helped to work through issues and advance a project for your school and/or community, or describe the how your volunteer activities have impacted your life. Access scholarship information and the application on the Foundation website at www.harrisonvilleschools.org/foundation. Applications are due April 8.

Joseph Hardin Gwathmey - July 19, 1879-July 6, 1945

Twenty-Seven Years as a Business Man in Harrisonville

Mr. Joseph Hardin Gwathmey was born on July 19, 1879 in Aylett, Virginia.  He graduated with distinction on June 19, 1901 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  His first employment was with a Philadelphia company where he traveled as an installation boss of industrial equipment.  Prior to 1914 and up until 1917, he resided in Webb City, Missouri where he was part owner of a foundry business. 

Marriage

While living in Webb City, Mr. Gwathmey met and married Mrs. Laura May (Blankienship) Albert on June 15, 1914.  She was a teacher at a Baptist Sunday School class and he was superintendent. 

Sole Owner of Gwathmey Manufacturing Company

The Gwathmey Manufacturing Company was originally incorporated under the laws of Virginia and then licensed by the State of Missouri on July 18, 1914 to do business. Ten days later, the company purchased the Harrisonville Pump and Foundry Company in north Harrisonville which had been in operation since the early 1900s.  The purchase included all of the buildings, improvements and machinery.  

Family Moves to Harrisonville

In 1917, three years after the purchase of the foundry, Mr. and Mrs. Gwathmey along with their two daughters, Lila May Albert and Laura Virginia Gwathmey moved to Harrisonville.  Both daughters graduated from Harrisonville High School – Lila May in 1920 and Virginia in 1934.

In 1928, Mr. Gwathmey constructed a brick family home at 800 West Wall Street, Harrisonville. 

Concerning Mr. Gwathmey’s arrival in Harrisonville, the Democrat newspaper on April 26, 1917 stated: “He has cast his dye with the people of Harrisonville and community and is for all that will advance our interests.  Joe never deviated from that pronouncement in all the ensuing years he was there.”

Enlarges Foundry

The foundry was enlarged with a two-story brick building which housed the office, a pattern-making room and storage for the patterns.  It also included a new boiler room, three cupolas, molding machines and a large core oven.  The enlargement was necessary to take care of present contracts and future deliveries. It was completed in April, 1917.  At that time, the company expected to employ from 25 to f40 men.  The company’s business grew by leaps and bounds. Other towns began making flattering offers to Mr. Gwathmey, but he liked Harrisonville and decided to stay. 

The foundry made industrial and domestic gas burners, Red Mule Garden tractors, stove parts, heavy river-crossing pipeline clamps, boiler sections, commercial boilers, locomotive smokestacks, gas furnaces, incinerators and handmade gray iron castings.  

In July 1936, during the Depression, the foundry handled a large order requiring thirty men to work every day and two men to work every night. The contract was for 500 clamps (each weighing 1,800 lbs.) to be used on the new pipeline across the bottom of the Mississippi River and across the state of Louisiana. Besides this order, other work was ongoing.  Joseph Gwathmey owned and operated the foundry from 1917- 1943. 

During the Depression

During the 1929-30’s depression, many unemployed men rode the boxcars on trains that passed by the foundry. Joseph Gwathmey permitted them to come into the foundry where it was warm to spend the night.  Often, Joe’s wife, Laura May, would organize “the church ladies” to prepare whatever food they could to take to these men.

Asset to Community

Joe Gwathmey was not only devoted to his business and family. When Joe first came to Harrisonville, he joined the Commercial Club which was the advent to the Harrisonville Kiwanis Club, organized in 1923. He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club and saw it as a way Harrisonville could advance.  He served as its third president for the years 1926 and 1927 and he was the only man to serve two complete terms. 

He also was active in Boy Scout work, serving on the local Boy Scout committee, and as district commissioner of the Blue Grass District.  He was vice-president of the Covered Wagon Region, District Commissioner and member of the local Scout troop committee. In all of his civic activities, Joe Gwathmey put his whole being into play, and thus he saw accomplishments a reality.  His droll humor and southern accent were always a source of amusement.

Injury at Foundry Curtails His Activities

Joe Gwathmey always was “one of the “boys” at the foundry.  When work was pressing, he pitched in and helped, if not in manual labor, then in an advisory capacity. On Saturday morning, April 18, 1942, Joe was directing the moving of a 600-pound cupola furnace when a hoisting chain on the cupola furnace broke, releasing the stack on him.  Joe was critically injured. For more than a year, he tried mightily to continue working, but his injuries were too severe.  Mr. and Mrs. F.H. Baker, who had been in charge of the foundry business since Mr. Gwathmey’s accident, were able to continue their work.

Death of His Wife

Laura May Gwathmey died July 19, 1943 at the age of 62 years. This further convinced Mr. Gwathmey he should retire. It was not easy to make the decision, but with his old-time fortitude he decided to return to his Virginia home and live a life of retirement, hoping his business in Harrisonville could be sold. He left Harrisonville on December 20, 1944. 

On July 6, 1945, Joseph H. Gwathmey died suddenly at his farm home near Aylett, Va.

Laura May Gwathmey - July 24, 1881-July 19, 1943

Laura May Blankienship was born on July 24, 1881 near Chanute, Kansas.  Her parents were Daniel M. and Clarissa Lowery Blankienship. She died six days before her 62nd birthday.

Laura May’s father was a stone mason-contractor and when his daughter was 15 years old, the family moved to Webb City, Mo. It was there Laura May received most of her schooling. Laura May had been a member of the Baptist Church since December 8, 1891 when she was 10 years old.

When Laura May was 19 years old, she married William A. Albert on July 1, 1900.  Two years later, Laura May’s husband died, leaving her a 21-year-old widow with her baby daughter, Lila May Albert.  William Albert died from drowning on July 4, 1902 while attending a church picnic.

Laura May was left to support herself and her daughter at a time when single working mothers were a rarity. She worked as a sales clerk in a local department store, then later went to Chicago to live with an older sister and work at Marshall Fields & Company. Life in Chicago was not a good place to raise a child so she returned to Webb City, Mo. She again worked in a department store and became a buyer. 

In Webb City, Mrs. Albert became prominent in church work, and it was while she was teacher of a Baptist Sunday School Class that she met Joseph Hardin Gwathmey, then superintendent of the Sunday School.  Their marriage occurred in Webb City on June 15, 1914.  Mr. Gwathmey then was a young business man and in 1917 he became head of the Gwathmey Manufacturing Company in Harrisonville.  In the same year, Mr. and Mrs. Gwathmey moved to Harrisonville accompanied by their daughters, Lila May Albert and Laura Virginia Gwathmey.

Mrs. Gwathmey also was a member and former president of The Progress Club.  Whatever she elected to do, the success of the project was a foregone conclusion, for she possessed the necessary attributes of a prepossessing appearance, Christianity, culture and determination.

Their daughters graduated from Harrisonville High School.  Lila May married Berry H. Horne and moved to Garden City, Long Island, N.Y.  Laura Virginia became a Captain in the Women’s Reserve of the United States Marine Corps, stationed in Washington, D.C. and married Captain John D. Young.

Mrs. Gwathmey died earlier than expected on July 19, 1943 at the age of 61 in the Harrisonville Hospital after two months of being ill.  Besides her husband and two daughters, Mrs. Gwathmey is also survived by a brother and six sisters.

The Joseph Hardin Gwathmey and Laura May Gwathmey Memorial Scholarship Award for Engineering or Business

• Ben Wooten, 2026
• Tyler Lengemann, 2025
• Alyssa Cox, 2024
• Jackson Hayes, 2023
• Isaac Choidini, 2022  

Presented annually to a senior based on academic achievement, citizenship, and financial need. Funded through an endowment established by an alumni in honor of long-time district teacher, coach & administrator Bob Hodge. To be eligible, the applicant: 

1. Shall demonstrate financial need.

2. Shall graduate from Harrisonville High School.

3. Shall have outstanding academic scholarship, including a 25 or higher on the ACT.

4. Shall have been accepted at and attend a state school in Missouri
Harris-Stowe State University
Lincoln University
Missouri Southern State University
Missouri State University
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Missouri Western State University
Northwest Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University
Truman State University
University of Central Missouri
University of Missouri – Columbia
University of Missouri – Kansas City
University of Missouri – St. Louis

5. Shall be of good citizenship and involved in school or community activities.

  This scholarship is renewable annually for three years based on the recipient’s grade point average. The recipient must provide the Foundation with proof of a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of each year (annual GPA, not cumulative) and a 250-word essay on how the scholarship has helped them to receive the annual payment.

Bob Hodge Achievement Award

• Austin Eng, 2026
• Audrey Coffey, 2025
• Josie Cable 2024
• Cort DeVenney 2023
• Kylie Meeks 2022
• Rylee Smalley 2021
• Maria Stryon 2020
• Brecken Nickel 2019
• Nick Laughlin,2018
• Micaela Roberts 2017
• Bailey Bylina 2016
• Christia Stein  2015
• Brianna Kendrick 2014
• Lena Quinlin 2013
• Callaway Neill 2012
• Mitchell Perne 2011

Chuck and Jeneen Jones were citizens of Harrisonville for 60+ years.  They were both passionate about public service and the importance of quality education and dedicated much of their lives towards that end.

Chuck served on the Harrisonville school board for 18 years including six years as President. He also served on the Harrisonville City Council for four years and then as Mayor for a further eight years. He continued serving on various city boards and encouraged everyone to get involved in their community throughout his life.   Jeneen was a lifelong educator in the Harrisonville School District and inspired three of her four children and 1 grandchild to become teachers as well.

Chuck and Jeneen believed that faith and the opportunity for all kids to pursue their dreams through a quality education are the cornerstone keys of our society and established this scholarship fund in order to help as many deserving kids as possible to have that opportunity.

Eligibility:

• Shall be a graduate of Harrisonville High School

• Shall be pursuing a degree in public service (teaching, government, or a field in public services)

• Must have cumulative GPA of 2.5

2026 - Mia Jackson
2025 - Simon Claxton
2024 - Noah Norman

This scholarship is given in honor of longtime Foundation trustee, Susan Lockard. The scholarship is available to Harrisonville High School seniors who complete two years of the Cass Career Center Teaching Professions program and plan to pursue a degree in education.

2026 - Megan Lalman
2025 - Aron Jones
2024 - Jaeda Hasam & Emma Schrock

Presented annually to an HHS senior who has demonstrated strength in overcoming a trial or hardship in his/her life. Funded through an endowment created by the Morse family. To be eligible, the applicant:

1. Shall graduate from Harrisonville High School.
2. Shall have outstanding academic scholarship, including a 21 or higher on the ACT.
3. Shall have been accepted into a four-year college/university.
4. Shall be in the top 25% of his/her class at time of application.
5. Shall be of good citizenship and involved in school and/or community activities.

Scott T. Morse Memorial Scholarship

• Kaydence Grigsby, 2026
• LeAine Caruthers, 2025
• Riley Minskey 2024
• Peyton Ritter 2023
• Greta Maxwell 2022
• Rylee Smalley 2021 Ethan Danner 2020
• Lily Maxwell 2019 Samantha Bylina 2018
• Wyatt Maxwell 2017
• Caitlyn Ervin 2016
• Brently Probasco  2015
• Kaitlyn Austin 2014
• Audrey Marshall 2013

The Roach Family Vocational Training Scholarship(s) is/are presented annually to a Cass Career Center senior in the agriculture, welding or automotive program who will continue his/her/their education after high school graduation and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to students planning to attend a trade school; however, this scholarship is open to any CCC graduate — from Harrisonville or another CCC sending school — who meets the criteria. An essay and letter of recommendation are required.

• Nevaeh Greife, 2026
• Donovan Richter, 2025

Presented to a senior based on intended field of study. Funded through a gift from Daryl and Millie Sloan.  To be eligible, the applicant:

1. Shall graduate from Harrisonville High School.
2. Shall be seeking a degree in an agriculture-related field of study.
3. Shall be attending a four-year college or university.
4. Shall demonstrate leadership in school activities.
5. Shall be involved in community service activities.

Samuel A. Sloan, Evelyn Sloan, and Beulah Sloan McCoy Scholarship

• Guillermo Ramirez, Nevaeh Greife, 2026
• Joseph Wray, Selah Parris, 2025
• Preston Baker, Dayton Hoffman 2024
• Trey Hoffman, Maya Beavers 2023
• Katelyn Gillespie, Morgan Kampe 2022
• Trevor Campbell, Cayse Bradshaw 2021
• Keigan Rowe, Hannah Dinges 2020
• Sam East 2019
• Nick McCleave 2018

The intent of this scholarship award in memory of Allison Smith is to encourage and support the Senior female student athlete who strives for excellence in academics and sportsmanship, a student who demonstrates passion to engage in the world through leadership and/or innovative ideas to make the global and/or local community better for others, and who exemplifies the following characteristics:

• A person of strong character and integrity
• An inclusive person who encourages and respects others
• A fearless and confident competitor who reflects good sportsmanship and best effort in all endeavors
• An inspirational leader with a positive outlook motivated by her self-generated sunshine and energy.
• A student who demonstrates a commitment to leadership to make the global or local community better for others. 

Click here to read more about the scholarship  

Requirements:

To be considered for the Allison W. Smith Memorial Scholarship Award, a student must meet the following criteria. 

• Be a Senior female student athlete at the Harrisonville Senior High School.
• At the time of application, the student must have a GPA of 3.6 or above. 
• Complete a full application by the closing date. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to challenge herself to set goals and strive for achievements that broaden her experiences and enlarge her horizons. 
• A person of strong character and integrity
• An inclusive person who encourages and respects others
• A fearless and confident competitor who reflects good sportsmanship and best effort in all endeavors
• An inspirational leader with a positive outlook motivated by her self-generated sunshine and energy.
• A student who demonstrates a commitment to leadership to make the global or local community better for others. 

The student must complete the application (linked above), plus submit two letters of recommendation that include one from a current teacher, coach or a non-family community member and an essay (see below).  

Essay:
The successful candidate must include a one page essay (double spaced) on one of the following topics: 

• Describe how you see yourself using leadership skills and/or innovative ideas now or in the future to engage a special interest or personal passion of yours to create a better world for others. 
• Discuss a project or plan that you have completed in high school or will implement in college or your community that will encourage others to take action to preserve and protect the environment for the enjoyment of others in the future. 
• Describe an experience in which you have challenged your comfort zone, expanded your personal view of the world or gained perspective and understanding through travel, experience, or interaction with others. What did you learn? How will this affect your outlook in the future?   

Allison W. Smith Memorial Scholarship

• Annie Rhoney, 2026
• Kayleigh Norris, 2025
• India Parris 2024
• Peyton Ritter 2023
• Skyla Thresher 2022
• Rylee Smalley 2021
• Arden Middaugh 2020
• Haley Holden 2019
• Lanie Carl 2018
• Baylee Streit 2017
• Kristen Koch 2016
• Melissa Watson 2015   

This scholarship award, in memory of James Earl and Eldine Atkinson Weaver and John Donald and Virginia Gwathmey Young, was established to encourage and support the graduating Senior who has expressed an interest in pursuing a career in public service or governance (local, state, national or international).  The individuals for whom the award is named worked and served tirelessly in their lives on behalf of their community, their state and their nation.  They embodied the essence of citizenship and public service.

The Senior candidate for this award will exemplify the following attributes:  

• Strong character, honesty and integrity
• A demonstrated appreciation for the importance of unselfish commitment to fellow citizens, which is the foundation of a successful and effective public servant
• A stated desire to pursue a 4-year degree in public service and/or governance at an accredited college, university or academy or a two-year degree at an accredited community college.
• An inspirational leader with a positive outlook, motivated by a sense of commitment to serving others, someone who sees opportunities where others see only problems
• An exemplary citizen of the school and community 

Requirements:
To be considered for the Weaver and Young Families Memorial Scholarship Award in Public Service and Governance, a student must meet the following criteria: 

• Be a graduating Senior in good standing at Harrisonville High School
• At the time of application, the student must have a GPA of 3.6 or above
• Provide 2-3 letters of recommendation, one of which is from a current teacher, attesting to the applicant’s desire for a career in public service or governance, as well as commenting on the applicant’s citizenship, leadership and commitment to the community
• A two to three-page essay on any one of the following topics:
  • The importance of intelligent and committed public service to good governance at any level of government, municipal, state, regional, national or international
  • Identifying a current challenge or problem in public service or governance at the municipal, state, regional, national or international level and how the applicant would try to address that challenge or problem 
  • An example in local, state or national history in which intelligent public service or governance made a positive difference in the lives of citizens, including a discussion on the public servant whose efforts had the most impact on this positive outcome
  • A commentary on the life and career of a public servant who serves as an example to the applicant
  • An outline of the applicant’s personal goals in the pursuit of a career in public service or governance and how the applicant seeks to achieve those goals

Read more about this scholarship here.

The Weaver and Young Families Memorial Scholarship Award in Public Service and Governance

• Conner Peeples, 2026
• Hailey Bagby, 2025
• Menda Schroeder, 2023
• Braeden Elifrits, 2022
• Colleen O'Reilly, 2021  

Presented annually to seniors based on community service, activities, and academics. Funded through an endowment established by the Harrisonville Rotary Club and named to honor charter member, Wendell Yeager. To be eligible, the applicant:

1.  Shall be a graduate of Harrisonville High School/Cass Career Center
2.  Shall demonstrate Service Above Self (the Rotary motto) through a commitment to community service.
3.  Shall be involved in activities and have a strong academic record  

• Megan Lalman (CCC), Ayden Cunningham, Brezlynn Jones, and Annie Rhoney

• Karley Plummer (CCC), Hailey Bagby, LeAine Caruthers, and Isabelle Shelton
• Audrey Gordon (CCC), Grace Atkinson, Ann O'Reilly, Kirsten Talley 2024
• Hayden Odell (CCC), Sophie Frazier, Elizabeth Lundeen, Maddie Lalman 2023
• Isaiah Bliss, Braeden Elifrits, Chloe Shepard 2022
• Trevor Campbell, Emily Gray, Kara Lemmer 2021 
• Evan Filer, Karley Reynolds, Maria Styron (HHS) & Ethan Danner (CCC) 2020
• Briseida Chavez, Hayden Ream, Gage Weber (HHS) & Brittni Kilton (CCC) 2019