Offering scholarships to members and their students is a vital part of NSCTA's mission.
By investing in each other, we strengthen our shared future.
Funded entirely through the generous donations of our members, these scholarships are a powerful reflection of our community’s commitment to supporting the next generation of educators, performers, and communicators.
The Mel Shoemaker Scholarship
The Mel Shoemaker Scholarship celebrates graduating high school seniors across Nebraska who have dedicated four years to speech, debate, or theatre. This award recognizes outstanding commitment and achievement in these vital arts, supporting students as they pursue higher education and continue to enrich the communication and performance fields.
Mel Shoemaker
A Legacy of Support for the Arts
The Mel Shoemaker Scholarship is established to honor the remarkable lifelong dedication of Mel Shoemaker to education, students, and the arts of Speech, Theatre, Debate, and English. For many years, Mel taught and directed highly successful Speech Teams and Play Production Teams at North Loup, before moving to Kearney High as the Theatre and Play Production Director. His teams achieved numerous awards, bringing significant recognition to both the individual students and the schools under his direction. This scholarship continues his legacy by investing in the next generation of talent in these fields.
The Mel Shoemaker Scholarship
Application
Applications for the Mel Shoemaker Speech/Debate/Theatre Scholarship are accepted annually from NSCTA High School Seniors planning to continue their education at any college or university. Each year, a maximum of two $500 scholarships will be awarded to deserving graduating seniors who have participated in Speech, Debate, and/or Theatre in Nebraska for all four years of their secondary education. Preference will be given to students pursuing studies in Speech, Theatre, Debate, English, or the broader education field. Scholarship awards are based on academic success, achievement in Speech, Debate, and/or Theatre, and future plans that demonstrate potential to further develop these arts in Nebraska. Alternates will also be recognized.
To apply for the Mel Shoemaker Speech/Debate/Theatre Scholarship, students must submit their application by March 15th each year. An unbiased selection committee, chosen by the NSCTA Board, will review all submissions. Scholarship funds will be distributed upon proof of second-semester enrollment at the recipient's chosen college or university.
The Melissa Beal Scholarship
he Melissa Beall Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for current NSCTA members who are continuing their education in the disciplines of speech, debate, or theatre. This scholarship aims to support dedicated individuals within our community as they advance their academic and professional journeys in these fields.
Dr. Melissa Beall
A Legacy of Scholarship and Support
This scholarship is proudly presented in honor of Dr. Melissa Beall, a distinguished scholar and steadfast supporter of the NSCTA. Dr. Beall is a respected professor at the University of Northern Iowa and a celebrated inductee into the Central States Communication Association Hall of Fame. Her extensive contributions and unwavering commitment to the field serve as the inspiration for this scholarship, which continues her legacy by investing in the ongoing education of NSCTA members.
The Melissa Beall Scholarship
Application
The Melissa Beall Scholarship is exclusively available to active members of the NSCTA who are pursuing further education in the disciplines of debate, speech, or theatre. Members interested in applying for funds from the Beall Scholarship Fund should complete the application provided below. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by members of the executive committee, who will decide on the allocation of funds from the scholarship account as applications are received.