Stella Henderson Award

The Stella Henderson Scholarships, a $250 scholarship at the graduate level and a $250 scholarship at the undergraduate level, are awarded each year at the Fall induction ceremony. Now is the time to think about applying. The purpose of each scholarship is to encourage members to think about how they can implement Kappa Delta Pi’s ideals of Fidelity to Humanity, Science, Service, and Toil, in their practices as educators. To apply for this scholarship, at either level, submit an essay of no more than three, double-spaced pages in which you explain how you are implementing, or plan to implement, each of the society’s ideals on a day-to-day basis. Please submit two copies of the essay, one with your name, address, and e-mail address; and one without that data.  Although the ideals were explained to you when you were inducted, the following may help refresh your memory. Fidelity to Humanity This ideal implies faith that human nature and the human condition can be improved. It also implies compassion in the close and intimate contacts one has, as an educator, with humanity; and dedication to the concept that through continuous education, based upon equal opportunity, persons of all ages, races, and creeds shall find increased opportunity for experiencing more meaningful lives. Science This ideal implies that as an educator, one will be faithful to the cause of free inquiry, and will strive to eliminate prejudice and superstition by withholding judgment until accurate and adequate evidence is obtained. One will not distort evidence to support a favorite theory; or be blinded by the new or spectacular; or condemn the old simply because it is old. Service This ideal is the very essence of education, which seeks advancement not merely for self, but for society as well. The incentive of the great teachers of the world has been their desire to serve mankind. Service in education implies living so that others are strengthened and inspired, and striving for the achievement of justice, peace and a better way of life for all mankind. Toil This ideal implies the will to do the task that must be done whether the task pleases one or not, and faith in the social necessity and intrinsic reward of the teaching profession. It implies working with such faith and zeal that others are won to the cause of education. If one life has been given greater freedom and nobler vision, toil has not been in vain. The nature of ideals is to be idealistic. However, as the selection committee reviews the essays, they will be looking for examples of practical steps that you have taken or plan to take to implement each of the ideals. You do not, however, have to allocate the same amount of space to each ideal. Guidelines that will be used to evaluate the submissions include the extent to which: each ideal was dealt with under its own heading; what you say is true to the ideals of Kappa Delta Pi, and also reflects practical practices; proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation are utilized. Applications for the Stella Henderson Scholarship should be addressed to: Adel T. AL-Bataineh, Ed.D., Associate Counselor, Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction-5330, Illinois State University, Normal, IL  61790-5330. Applications must be received by the last day of September. You will be notified about the status of your submission first when it is received and then when all submissions have been judged by the Scholarship Committee.