Eligibility: JuniorSenior
Area of Interest: Education/Special Education
Recipient must be majoring in Education with a Special Education endorsement and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
Mary Ann Bentley enrolled at CSC as a non-traditional student after prematurely being widowed and after raising her family. She chose the area of special education because one of her daughters had learning disabilities, as well as related health issues, and she experienced firsthand her daily challenges. She graduated from CSC in 1974 and even attended some years with her youngest daughter. Her entire teaching career was with the Chadron Public Schools (1974 -1990); initially at Pioneer School located in Edna Work Hall on the CSC campus teaching severely handicapped children, and later for many years, teaching special education classes at Chadron High School. These students held a special place in her heart, and it was in this spirit that a scholarship was established by her daughters, both graduates of CSC. It is their hope that her dedication and love for these special children will be fostered through supporting the education of future generations of teachers.