Awards of Excellence Scholarship Program

The OGR Foundation demonstrates its support of the next generation of funeral home professionals by offering scholarships to students nearing completion of their mortuary science degree. The Foundation is proud to support the next generation of funeral professionals by awarding annual scholarships totaling $10,000.

Applications are currently closed and will reopen in November 2026. Check back here for more updates in the meantime. 



Scholarship applications are open November 1 - December 31, 2025. To apply, applicants must:
  • Be currently enrolled in a mortuary science degree program.
  • Be scheduled to graduate during the 2026 calendar year.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Be involved in the community and school activities.
  • Demonstrate excellence in the pursuit of knowledge in mortuary science.
  • Commit to working for an independently owned funeral home.
  • Provide a 2024 transcript.
  • The top five applicants will be interviewed by members of the Foundation Board to determine the first-place recipient. 

 

2026 Scholarship Winners

Gold Award of Excellence 

 

Alexandra Allen-Byam
Peterborough, New Hampshire | Jellison Funeral Home

 

Silver Award of Excellence

 

Megan Young
St. Catharines, Canada | George Darte Funeral Home (OGR Member)

 

 

 

Dr. Tiffany Slone
Elkhorn City, Kentucky | Bailey Funeral Home
                                                                                                   

 


Awards of Excellence 

 

Rabbi Larry Malinger
East Brunswick, New Jersey | Brunswick Memorial Home (OGR Member)

 

 

 

Roxanne Simpson
Fredericksburg, Virginia | Agape Life Services

 

 

 

Donna Hairston 
Collinsville, Virginia | Wilson Funeral Service and Cremation

 

 

 

 

 

  

altSupport OGR's Charitable Foundation

Through the Order of the Golden Rule Foundation, the Awards of Excellence Scholarship Program recognizes promising mortuary science students who have demonstrated a passion for, and an understanding of the skills and commitment needed to provide families with meaningful funeral ceremonies.

The Foundation scholarships are made possible through generous contributions from businesses, vendors and individuals supporting the OGR Foundation. Contributions in support of the OGR Foundation have the option of being made in someone's memory or in honor of a special event. Contributions are acknowledged in The Independent as they are received. All donations are tax deductible in the United States as charitable contributions under IRS Tax Code 501(c)(3).

To donate online, click here or contact the Foundation at [email protected] or (800) 637-8030.