About Sovola Shackelford
Ferris Heights is dedicated to keeping the memory alive of Mrs. Shackelford.
Mrs. T.E. (Sovola) Shackelford moved with her family to Ellis County in 1910. After graduation from Waxahachie High in 1926, she pursued a career in teaching, beginning at rural schools such as Boyce, Laneview, Byrd and Grove Creek then beginning with the WISD in 1945 at the former Ferris Elementary campus (now the administration building). After nine years there as a third-grade teacher, she became principal, then moved to Northside until retirement in 1975. She was honored for her 48 years in education by the dedication of Shackelford Elementary in 1988.
She was a charter member of Ferris Heights United Methodist Church where she had been actively involved in many phases of leadership.
She was married to T.E. “Shack” Shackelford, a longtime barber in Waxahachie, who died in 1952.
In her decade of retirement, she remained active in education areas, and has done volunteer work for her church and community, interspersed with considerable travel throughout the U.S. and Europe. She enjoyed leisure time in her turn-of-the-century Victorian home of 53 years.
From the Waxahachie Daily Light
Sovola Shackelford Scholarship
Applications are accepted year round for the Sovola Shackelford Scholarship. The scholarship may be awarded each year in May.
Applicants must meet ONE of the following criteria to qualify:
· Current member or active participant in Ferris Heights UMC who is a graduating senior or who is enrolled in an institution of higher learning.
· Current graduating senior from Waxahachie ISD.
· WISD alum currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning.
Priority will be given first to active participants at Ferris Heights UMC, second to WISD graduating seniors, and finally to WISD alumni. Individuals may only receive the scholarship one time.
To apply:
· Fill out the application below.
· Provide an essay, containing goals and plans for the future and how these relate to the applicant’s faith. For students in college or an institute of higher learning, include information about current studies and how this relates to the applicant’s faith journey. It should be not less than 250 words.
· Provide a recommendation letter from a clergy member of your home church.
· Provide an official transcript.
· Provide an acceptance letter or proof of enrollment for the college or institute of higher learning you plan to attend (or do attend).
Application deadline is March 15.
Recipient(s) are expected to attend an award ceremony to receive the scholarship. The ceremony will be held on the 3rd Sunday of May during the 10 AM worship service.
For more information, feel free to contact us at 972.937.2344 or ferrisheightsumc@gmail.com.