Ledbetter-Stratton Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by New Mexico High School Coaches Association

I. Background and Purpose
The New Mexico High School Coaches Association (NMHSCA) created a scholarship program in 1962 to assist physically handicapped graduates of New Mexico high schools. The award honors Chester H. “Doc” Ledbetter and Coach Sam Stratton. Doc Ledbetter served as Executive Secretary of the NMHSCA for 30 years and played a principal role in founding this scholarship. Coach Sam Stratton, who coached at Alamogordo High School and served as the Association’s President in 1961–62, died unexpectedly and is memorialized by the award. Funding for the scholarship comes from the net proceeds of the Association’s annual North/South All‑Star Games and from other contributions. Depending on available funds, up to four scholarships may be offered. The program’s intent is to grant a new scholarship to an entering freshman each year as the previous senior recipient graduates.

II. Scholarship Award
- Amount: $1,000 per academic year, paid as $500 each semester, for a maximum of eight semesters (totaling $4,000).
- Disbursement: Scholarship payments will be sent directly to the recipient’s accredited college or university on the student’s behalf.

III. Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be physically handicapped.
- Be a graduate of an accredited high school in the State of New Mexico.
- Have a high school record that indicates the ability to complete coursework toward a college degree.
- Plan to enroll at an accredited college or university in New Mexico.
- Have a recommendation from a current member of the New Mexico High School Coaches Association.

IV. Initial Application Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
- Complete and submit the NMHSCA Ledbetter‑Stratton Memorial Scholarship application form.
- Provide medical verification from a licensed physician confirming the physical handicap.
- Submit an official high school transcript.
- Deliver the completed application and all supporting documents to the NMHSCA office by April 1 of the applicable school year.

V. Renewal Conditions
Recipients must satisfy the following each semester to continue receiving funds:
- Maintain a cumulative grade of C or higher.
- Enroll in at least 12 semester hours each semester.
- Reapply for renewal each semester by submitting:
- A written renewal request (letter) to the NMHSCA Executive Secretary stating the desire to remain on scholarship and confirming enrollment or intent to enroll for the upcoming semester.
- An official college transcript.
When these renewal requirements are met, the Executive Secretary will authorize release of the semester scholarship payment to the recipient’s institution.

VI. Scholarship Committee and Selection Process
- The Association President appoints the Scholarship Committee Chairman, who must be a current NMHSCA member.
- The Scholarship Committee is composed of the Association’s Board of Directors together with the appointed Chairman.
- The Chairman will solicit candidate recommendations from all Association members. All recommendations must reach the NMHSCA office by April 1 each year.
- The Chairman may seek counsel from certified school counselors across New Mexico when evaluating candidates.
- The Chairman presents recommendations at the spring meeting of the Board of Directors.
- Final selection of recipient(s) is made by vote of the Board of Directors.
- The Executive Secretary will notify the selected recipient(s).

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