In 2017, Melissa was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.  For eight courageous years, she faced her diagnosis with grace, strength, and an unwavering spirit.  Melissa was 55 years old when she passed away, but in those years, she lived a life full of love, compassion, laughter, and purpose. She had a special ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and cared for. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone she’d just met, she made you feel special. That kind of heart is rare. She gave of herself freely and generously—whether it was through a listening ear, a warm hug, or the countless hours she devoted to others.

Melissa was the heart of her family.  Together with her husband Scott, they raised two incredible daughters – Leah and Maya.  Her love for her girls was deep, unwavering, and beautifully fierce. She inspired them to be strong, independent, and kind.

One of her great passions in life was Girl Scouts. She poured her heart into it, not just as a leader, but as a mentor and role model. She believed in the power of girls to grow into strong, confident women—and she helped guide so many along that path. Her troop wasn’t just a group of girls; it was a family, and she was at the center of it with her boundless energy, patience, and belief in their potential.

Melissa leaves behind a legacy of love—a legacy we will carry forward by treating each other with the same kindness and warmth she gave so freely.

Scholarship Eligibility

• Must be a current Girl Scout from the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Council
• Must have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award
• Must be a high school graduating senior
• Must be accepted into an accredited institution of higher learning
• Must demonstrate leadership, community service, and commitment to helping others

This scholarship is our way of continuing Melissa’s light in the world — to lift up young women the way she did every day of her life.

Application Materials

• Application which includes a short essay (Choose one essay topic to write about from the list provided on the application)
• Letter(s) of Recommendation
• Proof of Gold Award completion
• High School Academic Record

Selection Committee:

• A Selection Committee consisting of three to five people will review the applications and select the recipient(s)
• The Selection Committee may consider the following in their review of the applications:
  • Girl Scout Participation
  • Leadership
  • Mentorship
  • Extracurricular involvement
  • Essay
  • Academic Record
  • Letters of Recommendation
• Each candidate’s application will be considered holistically with no particular weighting given to any one category

Amount:

• Scholarships will be granted once a year from $2,000 – $5,000 depending on the number of applicants and available funds.  
• Applications for scholarships must be submitted by March 31^st of each year.  Winner(s) will be announced by May 15^th.