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 Feb. 14, 2025

Renewal applications must be submitted by Feb. 14, 2025

Apply for Scholarship

Apply on the Truman Heartland Community Foundation website.

Apply via THCF

Apply via the general application

General Application

2025 Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship Recipient: Averi Van Winkle

The Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that we have selected Averi Van Winkle as the 2025-26 scholarship recipient. Averi Van Winkle, a dedicated senior at Fort Osage High School with a passion for animal care and a bright future ahead. This fall, Averi will attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas (Go Cats!) to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. Her commitment to service and academic excellence has earned her the prestigious 2025 Junior Service League Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship. Averi is excited to take the next step toward a career in veterinary medicine, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact on the lives of both animals and people. Congratulations Averi!

The Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship was established by the JSL in 2000 in memory of the former First Lady from Independence, MO. The First Lady was actively involved in many community service activities in her hometown, and students’ active community service is a priority in the annual scholarship selection.

The $2,500 renewable scholarship is available each year to female students who are residents of Independence and are graduating high school senior attending a public, private or home school. Applicants must demonstrate academic merit, community service experience, school involvement, and financial need. The Bess Wallace Truman Scholarship is financed through JSL resource development activities such as the annual Bingo, Brunch and Bubbly fundraiser, and is administered through the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.

Past Recipients

  • 2024 – Lexus Butler, Ft. Osage High School
  • 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