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Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship

The Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship was founded in 2000 to honor the memory of the only First Lady of the United States from Independence, MO. The First Lady was actively involved in many community service organizations in her hometown, a trait that is prioritized for all scholarship winners.

Mrs. Truman’s daughter, Margaret Truman Daniel, said of her mother:
“She is a woman of tremendous character, which the public may sense, but in addition, she is a warmhearted, kind lady with a robust sense of humor, a merry twinkling wit and a tremendous capacity for enjoying life.”

Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship

Eligibility

  • Must be a current resident of Independence, MO.
  • Must be a female graduating high school senior attending public, private or home school.
  • Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at any accredited college or university.
  • Must have demonstrated academic merit with minimum GPA of 2.5, community service experience, school involvement and financial need.
  • Must NOT be a daughter, granddaughter or stepdaughter of a JSL member.

Amount

Up to $2,500 per academic year.

Renewable

Yes, this scholarship can be renewed for three additional years of funding at $1,000 per academic year. A renewal application must be submitted with proof of continuing college enrollment, continuing community service and a minimum college GPA of 2.5.

Deadlines

New applicants must submit a general application by April 1.

Renewal applications must be submitted by April 1.

Apply for Scholarship

Apply on the Truman Heartland Community Foundation website.

Apply via the general application

2023 Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship Recipient: Annabelle Griffin

The Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that we have selected Annabell Griffin as the 2023-24 scholarship recipient. She is the daughter of Deborah and Anthony Griffin and is a 2023 graduation of Truman High School.

Annabelle was ranked first in her graduating class and plans to attend UMKC and major in Biology. Her school activities included: National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, National French Honor Society, French Club, Art Club, Marching and Symphonic Band, Student Senate, Tennis Team and Digital Presentation Club. As a first-year recipient, Annabelle will receive $2,500 and is eligible to renew the scholarship for $1,000 for three years.

Christa Johnson Pyle and Hadley Brillhart have been awarded renewals of the Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship for the 2023-2024 year. Christa is studying social work at Missouri State University and Hadley is studying youth ministry and education at Colorado Christian University.

Past Recipients

  • 2023 – Annabelle Griffin, Truman High School
  • 2021 – Hadley Brillhart, Truman High School
  • 2020 – Christa Johnson, Wm. Chrisman High School
  • 2019 – Megan Hall, Ft. Osage High School
  • 2018 – Hannah Kimbrough, Wm. Chrisman High School
  • 2017 – Haley Smith, Blue Springs High School
  • 2016 – Alesha Dimman, Wm. Chrisman High School
  • 2015 – Makenzie Erickson, Wm. Chrisman High School
  • 2014 – Cierra Sua, Van Horn High School
  • 2013 – Katherine A. Bartels, Wm. Chrisman High School
  • 2012 – Taryn Brush, Wm. Chrisman High School
  • 2011 – Andrea Watkins-Davis, Ft. Osage High School
  • 2010 – Hailey Lewis, Truman High School
  • 2009 – Jessica Carrick, Truman High School
  • 2008 – Lauren Knoth, Truman High School
  • 2007 – Kendra Myers, Wm. Chrisman High School
  • 2006 – Kara Miller, Truman High School
  • 2005 – Ashley Evans, Wm. Chrisman High School
  • 2004 – Heidi Williams, Wm. Chrisman High School
  • 2003 – Jerah Del Bates, Center Place High School
  • 2002 – Dana Rohr, Ft. Osage High School
  • 2001 – Erika Helm, Truman High School
  • 2000 – Blair Smith, Blue Springs High School