Ted Edwards of Oklahoma to receive $1,500 to further funeral studies
DEERFIELD, ILL. — August 5, 2013 — Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust has announced that Ted Edwards of Edmond, Okla., is its latest recipient of the Second-Career Scholarship in the amount of $1,500. Edwards is transitioning from a 22-year career in ministry into funeral service. The award is designed to assist recipients in the completion of their education in mortuary science. Created to meet the educational needs of the increasing number of second-career professionals entering independent funeral service, the scholarship furthers the efforts of those seeking positions as funeral directors.
Edwards will return in the fall as sophomore at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he is expected to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in funeral service in 2016. Edwards feels that the transition from ministry to funeral service is a natural one that will allow him to continue serving people in a relevant, positive way.
“The driving force for my goal to become a funeral director is my desire to continue serving people in the local community where I live,” said Edwards. “I am extremely appreciative of the distinctive honor of being selected for this scholarship, as it will help me to continue my formal education toward my passion of comforting and ministering to bereaved families.”
As part of the application process, Edwards demonstrated financial need and outstanding personal references in applying for the scholarship. In order to be eligible, scholarship applicants must not be related to an owner of a funeral firm currently in operation and must be currently enrolled in a full-time Mortuary Science program at an accredited school. Edwards plans to take a full course load each semester in an effort to achieve licensure as soon as possible.
Since the award was first launched in late 2010, the Board of Trustees has increased the number of scholarships to be awarded to up to four $1,500 scholarships each year; two in July and two in December. Edwards is the third scholarship recipient of 2013. Additionally, all applications must include at least two letters of recommendation; one from a faculty member of the mortuary science program and the other from an owner of an independent funeral home or current or previous employer.
The official application for upcoming scholarships, as well as the complete list of previous winners, is available at http://www.selectedtrust.org/second-career-scholarship.html. The Second-Career Scholarship is one of several programs of the Selected Educational Trust which was founded by Selected Independent Funeral Homes, a worldwide professional association of independent, locally-owned funeral homes founded in 1917. By creating the program, the Trust hopes to attract and assist future practitioners interested in entering the profession. More information on the Selected Educational Trust and its activities can be found at www.selectedtrust.org.
