Scholarships Available for Students Studying Wildlife, Natural Resources

Interested applicants have until June 10 to apply

The Willis Scholarship Foundation, in conjunction with the Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt, invites students currently enrolled in a Kansas regent’s institution pursuing a degree relating to wildlife, natural resources, and/or natural resource management to apply for a scholarship. The application period is open now through June 10, 2014.

Created in memory of Wayne Willis, a long time supporter of the Governor’s One Shot Spring Turkey Hunt and renowned wildlife artist from the Wichita area, the scholarship foundation started in 1996 when the Past Shooters & Guides Association offered two $1000 scholarships. Since then, approximately $400,000 has been awarded to Kansas students.

Successful applicants can be awarded $500 - $1,250 per semester, based on grade point average and the following criteria:

     - desire to pursue a career in wildlife or natural resources

     - maintain at least a2.5 GPA, pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher

- Commit to attending the Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt, providing assistance

 where necessary

The 28th annual Kansas Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt will be held April 10, 11and 12, 2014 in El Dorado. Hunters from across the U.S. are participating this year, including Kansas Governor Sam Brownback.

Passing on the hunting heritage to the next generation remains a continued focus for the event. Twenty-three Kansas youth applied for a chance to participate in the Kansas Governor’s One Shot Turkey Hunt Youth Program 2014. Riley Brown of El Dorado, Allison Dix of Stockton, Joseph Heimann of Hays, Avery Lewellen of Wellington, Ethan Shaw of Logan and Jenna Smithson ofOsageCity are the six chosen this year.

For more information on the Willis Scholarship Foundation, Inc., and to receive an application, visitwww.centralkansascf.org/non-profit-organizations/scholarships/.