Conference Scholarships
| The Memorial Scholarship Fund |
| by Midge Farmer and Shelly Ritthaler The Memorial Scholarship Fund doesn’t get much publicity, but it is very important to our organization. Donations to the Fund can be made at any time by anyone. Most, but not all, donations are memorials. The principal of the Fund is never touched, but the interest is used each year to give scholarships to writers with financial needs to help them attend our annual conference. The Fund was started in 1977 with a donation of $500 from Emmie Mygatt. Emmie was a published author when she moved to Big Horn from the east coast in the late ‘60s. She taught a creative writing class at Sheridan College that was so popular the members continued meeting after the class ended. Emmie was leader of and advisor to this group which evolved into the Sheridan Range Writers. She envisioned a state writers’ organization and encouraged her group to start one, which they did in June, 1974—Wyoming Writers, Inc. Emmie was a kind, caring, lovely lady who believed writers can live anywhere. She helped others believe it as well, helped writers to learn their craft, and encouraged us all to help each other. When she knew she was dying in 1977, Emmie gave the gift of $500 to be “joyously spent for an unusual opportunity approved by all.” With great foresight, and with Emmie’s blessing, the Board created the Emmie Mygatt Memorial Scholarship Fund. For clarity, the name was shortened in June, 1994. Each year the number and dollar amount of the scholarships change depending on donations received and interest rates realized. Over 60 scholarships have been awarded in the years since 1978. These scholarships (and one award) have helped writers throughout Wyoming. Although WWI members receive first preference, non-members may also apply for a scholarship. If you or someone you know needs help attending the conference, please share the application. |
Questions? |
| Contact Scholarship Chair Nancy Wall at scholarship@wyowriters.org or
208-238-8079. |
