Selection of each scholar occurs in two phases, beginning the first of every year and culminating in the spring with the announcement of the award recipient. Selection of pioneer scholars is based on a number of factors with special emphasis on each individual's character, personal merit, and background. Merit is demonstrated in a variety of ways: leadership in school, civic, and other extracurricular activities; academic achievement; and motivation to serve and succeed in all endeavors. Selection will be sensitive to the economic backgrounds of applicants, reflecting as much as possible the demographic profiles of the various selection of areas. A  schedule of key dates is below:

Phase 1:  All applications submitted by the postmark deadline are evaluated in order to select up to 21 finalists, dispersed proportionately across the Mid-South Chapter serving area.  

Phase 2: All applications are reviewed by an independent selection panel (to include the Board of Directors but not limited to this group only) according to criteria established by the Mid-South Chapter, and the award recipients are announced at the Mid-South Chapter Summer Convention.

***Scholarship winners must claim their scholarship by February 1 of the year following award, or money will be forfeited.