College scholarship recognizes academic achievement and service

At the Nebraska Society’s Spring Meeting on Sunday, April 7, 2024 in Omaha, the Society awarded the 10th Nebraska Society of Mayflower Descendants Burt & Becky Whedon Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,620 to a high school senior planning to attend an accredited 4-year college or university during the 2023-‘24 academic year.

An avid genealogist, Becky (Allen) Whedon joined the Nebraska Society in 1982, a descendant of Pilgrim Francis Cooke. She was also a descendant of Pilgrim Richard Warren. Becky served as state historian for 18 years, from 1989 to 2007, completing applications for 167 members. Burt joined the Nebraska Society in 1977, a descendant of John Howland. He was also a descendant of William Brewster. The Whedons also served the Society as Deputy Governor General and Assistant General for many years, traveling to Plymouth for Mayflower General Congress and to annual Board of Assistants meetings around the country. Becky died in Omaha on Jan. 16, 2011, age 84. Burt died in Omaha on April 27, 2011, age 88.

Scholarship applicants must be a resident of Nebraska. Applicants are evaluated by a written essay, honors received, school or volunteer activities, employment and demonstrated leadership. Mayflower ancestry is NOT a requirement.

2024’s  essay topic focused on The Mayflower Pilgrims:

Choose one Pilgrim from the 51 Mayflower passengers who left descendants and write about his or her contribution to Plymouth Colony and his or her place in History.

About the Essay: The essay must include references to document the facts in the letter. Essays will be evaluated for content, organization, style, grammar and creativity. Sources must be cited in appropriate bibliographic style.

2024 Scholarship Application

2023 Scholarship Recipient & Essay

2022 Scholarship Recipient & Essay

2021 Scholarship Recipient & Essay

2020 No scholarship awarded

2019 Scholarship Recipient & Essay

2018 Scholarship Recipient & Essay

2018 Scholarship Recipient Message

2017 Scholarship Recipient & Essay

2016 Scholarship Recipient & Essay

2015 Scholarship Recipient & Essay