Helen Gertrude Lutz Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility: All
Area of Interest: Elementary Education

Criteria:

The recipient shall be pursuing a career as a kindergarten teacher.

Helen Gertrude Lutz, daughter of Charles and Bertha Fehy Lutz, was born September 27, 1892 in Chadron, Nebraska. A brother, Homer, followed three years later. Gertrude attended and graduated from Chadron High School and was a member of one of the first Chadron State College graduation classes. She taught school in a dugout before accepting a teaching assignment in Wyoming. First in Thermopolis and later in Kemmerer. Her specialization was kindergarten and art. Later she taught at West Ward School and was principal at Kenwood School in Chadron. Always interested in the Arts, Miss Lutz attended art school in Chicago, Illinois and Toledo, Ohio. She submitted her portfolio to the Walt Disney Company and Hearst Corporation. After her death we found a 1939 letter from Walt Disney offering her an art position. The Hearst Corporation owns Good Housekeeping magazine and all of their covers were drawn. Gertrude was also offered a position drawing their covers, but her Mother's poor health contributed to her turning down their offers. ""Sketches of Some Pioneers"" and ""Out Where the West Begins"" are two of the books Gertrude wrote. She was founder and curator of the Dawes County Historical Society and instrumental in its current success. For years she gave piano lessons and was known for her kindness to animals. Any cat or dog that found its way to Gertrude's house was assured of the best food, warm bed and safe surroundings. Gertrude was a devout member of the Church of Christ (Christian), teaching Sunday school and active in Dorcas. Independent, strong-willed, highly organized and frugal, she taught me many lessons in life. Her German/Irish ancestors would be proud of her representation. I was fortunate to have had her in my life and have missed her every day since her death in 1989. Submitted by Gean McMasters