Awards of Excellence Scholarship Program

The OGR Foundation demonstrates its support of the next generation of funeral home professionals by offering scholarships to students nearing completion of their mortuary science degree. The Foundation is proud to support the next generation of funeral professionals by awarding annual scholarships totaling $10,000.

The scholarship application is NOW OPEN. The application was opened on November 1, 2024 and students will have until December 31, 2024, to submit their applications. To apply, applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled in a mortuary science degree program.
  • Be scheduled to graduate during the 2025 calendar year.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Be involved in the community and school activities.
  • Demonstrate excellence in the pursuit of knowledge in mortuary science.
  • Commit to working for an independently owned funeral home.
  • Provide a 2024 transcript.
  • The top five applicants will be interviewed by members of the Foundation Board to determine the first-place recipient. 
APPLY NOW

 

2024 Scholarship Winners

Gold Award of Excellence ($3,500)

Jim Shackelford
Salem, Massachusetts | North Shore Community College


 

 

 


Silver Award of Excellence

Kassidy Goad
Hillsville, Virginia | Mid-America College of Funeral Service

 

 

 

 

Kylee Crane
Port Huron, Michigan | Wayne State University, Pollock-Randall Funeral Home
                                                                                                   

 

 

 

 



Awards of Excellence 

Eldrick Brown
Birmingham, Alabama | Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service

 

 

 

Shoshana Deming
Baltimore, Maryland | Community College of Baltimore County

 

 

 

 

 

  

altSupport OGR's Charitable Foundation

Through the Order of the Golden Rule Foundation, the Awards of Excellence Scholarship Program recognizes promising mortuary science students who have demonstrated a passion for, and an understanding of the skills and commitment needed to provide families with meaningful funeral ceremonies.

The Foundation scholarships are made possible through generous contributions from businesses, vendors and individuals supporting the OGR Foundation. Contributions in support of the OGR Foundation have the option of being made in someone's memory or in honor of a special event. Contributions are acknowledged in The Independent as they are received. All donations are tax deductible in the United States as charitable contributions under IRS Tax Code 501(c)(3).

To donate online, click here or contact the Foundation at [email protected] or (800) 637-8030.