Award Details: 

Up to $1,000 payable to the university, college, junior college, trade or vocational school on behalf of the recipient, following proof of acceptance.

Entries will be judged by a Selection and Review Committee with input from family members of Blair Thompson Russell. Recipient will be selected based on adherence to prescribed criteria, meaningful content and clarity of essay, and strong character as demonstrated through letters of recommendation.

About: 

Blair Thompson Russell was a 2001 graduate of Bartlesville High School. She was active in choir, dance and National Honors Society, and voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by her graduating classmates. She was a National Merit Scholar and an exemplary student. She lived a robust life of strong values, refusing to succumb to the pressures of her peers or her own limitations. Shew as tragically involved in an automobile accident in July, 2006, that took her life. At the time of her death she was teaching High School English, one of her passions. She found great fulfillment in helping the struggling student to succeed. She spent many lunch hours, as well as after-school hours with those students who might otherwise fail. One student wrote, “I received my diploma because of her!”

Eligibility Criteria:

• Bartlesville High School graduating senior
• 2.5 GPA or higher (High School)
• Demonstrated strong moral character and citizenship during high school years
• Student can describe how they have overcome personal obstacles but demonstrated academic dedication throughout
• Attending university, college, junior college, trade or vocational school

Required Addendums:

• 2 letters of recommendation: one from BHS Faculty, one from an unrelated community member
• Personal essay explaining obstacles that have been overcome and areas of personal growth as a result of these challenges

This application is now closed.