Ledbetter-Stratton Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by New Mexico High School Coaches Association

Introduction
Coaches often work with some of the most athletically gifted students, but they also see many who face physical challenges. In recognition of that reality, the New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) created a scholarship program in 1962 for physically handicapped graduates of New Mexico high schools. The award honors Chester H. “Doc” Ledbetter—who served as Executive Secretary of the NMHSCA for 30 years and was instrumental in creating this program—and Coach Sam Stratton, who coached at Alamogordo High School, served as President of the Association in 1961–62, and died unexpectedly. The scholarship fund is supported by net proceeds from the Association’s annual North/South All-Star Games and by donor contributions. Depending on available funds, up to four scholarships may be awarded. The usual practice is to name an incoming freshman each year as a successor to a senior recipient when that senior graduates.

Scholarship Award
- Amount: $1,000 per academic year, disbursed as $500 per semester for up to eight semesters (total maximum: $4,000).
- Payment: Each semester’s scholarship payment will be sent directly to the recipient’s accredited college or university.

Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be physically handicapped, with medical verification.
- Be a graduate of an accredited New Mexico high school.
- Have a high school record indicating the potential to complete college-level work toward a degree.
- Plan to attend an accredited college or university located in New Mexico.
- Have a recommendation from a current member of the New Mexico High School Coaches Association.

Initial Application Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
- Complete the official NMHSCA Ledbetter-Stratton Memorial Scholarship application form.
- Provide a physician’s verification confirming the physical handicap.
- Submit an official copy of the high school transcript.
- Submit the completed application and all required supporting documents to the NMHSCA office by April 1 of the applicable school year.

Renewal Requirements
To continue receiving the scholarship each semester, recipients must:
- Maintain an overall grade average of C or better.
- Enroll in at least 12 semester hours each semester.
- Reapply for renewal each semester by submitting a written renewal request (a letter) to the Executive Secretary stating intent to remain on the scholarship and verifying enrollment for the upcoming semester, along with an official transcript.
- Once these renewal conditions are satisfied, the Executive Secretary will release the semester payment to the recipient’s institution.

Scholarship Committee and Selection Process
- The Association President appoints the Scholarship Committee Chairman, who must be a current NMHSCA member.
- The Scholarship Committee includes the Board of Directors in its entirety plus the appointed Chairman.
- The Chairman will solicit candidate recommendations from Association members and seek input from certified school counselors across New Mexico.
- All recommendations must reach the NMHSCA office by April 1 each year.
- The Chairman will present recommendations and a report at the Board of Directors’ spring meeting.
- Final selection of recipient(s) is made by vote of the Board of Directors.
- The Executive Secretary will notify the selected recipient(s).

For questions or to obtain application materials, contact the NMHSCA office before the April 1 deadline.