Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship

The North Carolina Community Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Norah Morris Scholarship Fund. The Fund was established in 2006 in memory of Norah Morris by the North Carolina Hunter and Jumper Association to honor Norah and the Morris family's commitment to the NCHJA and to higher education. Norah tragically lost her life in a traffic accident in May 2005 while attending an NCHJA sanctioned horse show. She was the youngest of three daughters of Art and Cynthia Morris. Her older sisters, Meghan and Therice were active members in the NCHJA and the family was regularly seen at ringside providing support.
Criteria for applying for this scholarship are:
  • Applicants should be pursuing an undergraduate degree. This degree is not necessarily a horse studies or horse related degree.
  • Application for this scholarship is not limited to incoming freshmen.
  • Recipients of the Norah Morris Scholarship are encouraged to participate in IHSA program or to continue to horse show independently in USEF/NCHJA shows to stay actively involved in the sport.
  • The Norah Morris Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding candidate who has demonstrated an ability to successfully balance academic goals with equestrian activities and community involvement.
  • Applicants/recipients are invited to apply or reapply on an annual basis.
  • Applicants should submit a letter of recommendation from their trainer, coach or other non family member who is familiar with their horse related activities.
The Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment, established in memory of Norah Morris and funded by the NCHJA, will award two scholarships in 2018. A $1000 scholarship and a $600 scholarship will be awarded to individuals who has participated in equestrian activities, entering college or continuing college education. The Scholarship application is due May 15, 2018 and is available online on the Scholarship Directory at http://www.nccommunityfoundation.org/Scholarships.

Click here to link to the Norah Morris Scholarship through the North Carolina Scholarship Foundation

2017 Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship

The NCHJA is pleased to award college scholarships to two deserving young people. The Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006, by the North Carolina Hunter Jumper Association, in memory of Norah Morris. The scholarship fund, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, was established to honor Norah and the Morris family's commitment to equestrian activities and to higher education. Remembering Norah Morris, we thank and congratulate all 14 of our 2017 Norah Morris Scholarship applicants. They are all deserving young people!! Congratulations to our 2017 Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship recipients, Olivia Williams and Tia Sparks. Both young ladies have maintained excellent academic records while being involved extensively in equestrian activities and the community.

Olivia Williams of Cary, NC is the recipient of the $1000 Norah Morris Scholarship. Olivia is a graduate of Green Hope HIgh School with a 4.63 GPA. Olivia has shown extensively as a NCHJA member and has served on the NCHJA Board as the Junior Board Member. Olivia is on her way to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a major in Environmental Science. In Olivia's words, "For the past six years, my team mate has been an athletic, temperamental, 1000 pound male that does not speak English. Jet Stream and I have won numerous awards and championships together, but more importantly, I have learned life lessons from him and the sport that has shaped me as a person, and I believe will help me succeed in college and beyond".

Tia Sparks of Hickory, NC is the recipient of the $500 Norah Morris Scholarship. Tia is a graduate of the NC School of Science and Mathematics with a 5.138 GPA. The barn has been Tia's second home. She plans to continue to ride in college and major in Mathematics and Art History. In Tia's words, "I firmly believe that success depends not on talent, but on the dedication that comes from true passion. My high school career has taught me the hard work necessary to balance a demanding academic career with my involvement in horse showing and riding. In the end, I do both because I love them, and they've made me the person that I am today."

Congratulations to Olivia Williams and Tia Sparks!!

Joan Petty
Norah Morris Scholarship Endowment

NCHJA Equine Scholarship Endowment

The endowment was established in 1999 to provide scholarships for students enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University. Preference shall be given to a student from North Carolina pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine, specifically focused on equine medicine.

NCHJA Medal Finals Grants, NEW Additions for 2018

A $1000 Grant will be given annually to the winner of the E.J. Haun Memorial Medal Finals, the NCHJA Children's Medal Finals, the NCHJA Pony Medal Finals and the Bryan Jones Medal Finals. A $500 Grant will be given annually to the winner of the NCHJA "C" Adult, Children's and Pony Medal Finals Winner. This grant may be used towards equestrian improvement, academic advancement or a combination of both. The winners must submit their request for the funds to be transferred in writing within six (6) months of their win. All Checks will be made to the equestrian program or academic institution. No check will be made to the winner or any member of the family.

Click image to link to the Zone 3 Scholarship Opportunities

2017 NCHJA Medal Finals Grant Recipients:

Fallyn Belcastro - E.J. Haun Memorial Medal Finals

Madison Matthews - NCHJA Children's Medal Finals