Courtnie Higgs Memorial Scholarship

Courtnie Higgs Memorial Scholarship

Courtnie Higgs

Courtnie Higgs

Courtnie Higgs was a spirited young lady, known for her boisterous laughter and loving heart. She started at Sedan Elementary School in the 4th grade and continued there through high school. In high school, Courtnie was an avid reader and a prolific writer. On a whim, she could write the most engaging, creative short stories. Courtnie also had a beautiful voice, singing in church and winning talent contests.

However, Courtnie suffered from childhood trauma. From a young age, she was afraid to communicate her needs for fear of ridicule in a small rural town. Because of embarrassment and her lack of understanding about professional support, Courtnie suffered in silence. Like so many others with trauma and mental illness, substance abuse became her only answer to deal with the pain and isolation she felt.

Although Courtnie fought many demons from her mental illness, she refused to be defined by it. She was a very spiritual person who loved God, her family and friends, and especially her children. She also had a passion for helping others. Later in life, Courtnie said she wished she had received support earlier to get well enough to get a job helping others with mental health issues. She was always saying that better understanding and more access to services, especially in school and community settings, could literally turn lives around. Even though she fought bravely, unfortunately, at the age of 27, Courtnie lost her battle with the demons of her mental illness.

This scholarship is established in Courtnie’s memory to bring awareness to the need for more mental health workers in rural communities. It is for seniors graduating from Sedan High School in Sedan, Kansas who are going on to college to study social work.

Award Details:

$250 payable in the first semester

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Graduating senior from Sedan High School
  • Planning to major in social work or other field with an emphasis on mental health
  • Well-written essay, explaining the importance of social work, especially mental health and substance abuse support, in rural communities. Also includes your reasons for interest in this field.

Required Addendums:

  • First page(s) of FAFSA Submission Summary, up to and including the Student Aid Index number. Refer to FAQs for more information.
  • Official Sedan High School transcript

This application will open on December 1st.