Paula Jo Connell Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility: All
Area of Interest: Early Childhood Education

Criteria:

Recipient shall be pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. Preference given to personnel with further training working for Head Start, day care, or pre-school programs

Paul Jo Connell was born in Whitney, NE to Robert and Ruth Ann Connell.  She received a BA degree from Colorado State University in Food Science and Nutrition in 1974.  Paula Jo then travelled the state as a nutrition consultant for the Nebraska Head Start Training Office which was located at Chadron State College.  After completing her MS degree in August 1976 from the University of Nebraska, she was invited to stay on as an instructor in Foods and Nutrition where she taught classes at UNL and UNO.  She was active in the United Methodist Church, 4H, and a wide variety of community, academic, and extracurricular activities.  Paula is remembered by friends and family as a talented musician who enjoyed singing besides playing the guitar, piano, and organ.  As the result of an automobile accident, caused by a drunk driver, Paula’s life ended at age 24 in October 1976.  The scholarship bearing her name was established to assist Chadron State College students prepare for teaching preschool and elementary children.