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.

The scholarship application is now closed. Information on the 2025 application cycle will be released at a later time. To apply, applicants must:

  • Be currently enrolled in a mortuary science degree program.
  • Be scheduled to graduate during the 2025 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. 

 

2025 Scholarship Winners

Gold Award of Excellence 

 

Jesse Currens
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky | Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home

 

Silver Award of Excellence

 

Carmen Ward
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada | Henry Walser Funeral Home

 

 

 

Hannah Thompson
Sterling Heights, Michigan | Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc.
                                                                                                   

 


Awards of Excellence 

 

Joao Pozzi Arcaro
Cortland, New York | Wright-Beard Funeral Home

 

 

 

Calvin M. Amato, CCO, CPC
State College, Pennsylvania 

 

 

 

Angelyna M. Scheck
Franklin, New Jersey | F. John Ramsey Funeral Home (OGR Member)

 

 

 

 

 

  

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.