WEST PLAINS, Mo.– Two West Plains couples with strong ties to agriculture and the local Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter have joined forces to establish a new scholarship at Missouri State University-West Plains. 

Harry and Betty Tarter and Tom and June Thompson recently donated funds and signed an endowment agreement with the Missouri State University Foundation to create the Tarter-Thompson Endowed Scholarship.  The scholarship will be awarded annually, beginning this fall, to a full-time or part-time student who is a former member of the West Plains High School FFA Chapter.

“The community we live in is so good, and the people here have done so much for my family, we want to give back, and this was the perfect way to do it,” Harry Tarter said in a phone interview.  “There were many during my youth who paid taxes and gave money to the schools and churches I attended as a boy who helped me become the person I am today.  Now that I’m older, it’s my turn to follow in their footsteps and give back so other youngsters in our area can have a better life.”

Life-long friends Harry Tarter and Tom Thompson grew up on family farms near West Plains.  The pair attended grade school together at Junction Hill School and graduated together from West Plains High School.  Their love of agriculture and farming led both to join the FFA chapter during their high school years, as well. 

“Tom really enjoyed his time in the FFA program, and we wanted to help another student who enjoys agriculture education pursue a college degree,” June Thompson added.

According to terms of the agreement, the scholarship will be awarded with consideration of financial need.  Preference will be given to an individual who requires some financial assistance but may not qualify for a federal or state grant.  Students who receive funds through the A+ Program are not eligible for the scholarship.

“The Tarter and Thompson families are sterling examples of people who want to give back to their community,” said Missouri State-West Plains Director of Development Elizabeth Grisham.  “We are grateful for their interest in the university and, especially, for their desire to help a student further his or her education.  They are a true gift to our institution.”

For more information about this scholarship and other financial aid opportunities available to students at Missouri State-West Plains, call the Office of Financial Aid at 417-255-7243, or visit the office’s Web site at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/FinAid/.

To find out how you can establish a scholarship at Missouri State-West Plains, contact the Office of Development at 417-255-7240.