By Jan Pippig
Nine El Dorado High School seniors, all Summa Cum Laude graduates, were presented Myrrl Houck Memorial Scholarships at a reception Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the El Dorado High School Library. The honorees are: Carly Carter, Ed “Min” Castor, Alawna Herrman, Erick Lopez, Taidhgin Mora-Bruce, Jacob Schafer, Kelci Stewart, Hannah Swingle and Brody Todd.
Students received awards amounting to $600 each, producing a total of $218,590 in scholarships which have been granted to 683 students since the Houck scholarship program started in 1960.
EHS Principal Richard Gilson and Senior Counselor Jessica Mallon opened with a tribute to the students, noting that Summa Cum Laude is the highest academic recognition given at El Dorado High School, requiring that the students complete the school’s most rigorous course work. Mallon noted that all participate in various activities and sports and read something special about each honoree.
On behalf of the Houck Scholarship Committee, Senator Mike Fagg added his praise and presented highlights from Houck’s life. He explained how the scholarships came about and how they are maintained, and then he introduced other members of the Myrrl Houck Committee who were in attendance: Rod Blackburn, Jennifer Duryea, Miles Erpelding, Jan Pippig, Janice Shaffer and Kelsey Sungren. Shaffer knew Myrrl Houck and shared two special memories of the former EHS Librarian.
The Myrrl Houck Memorial Scholarship fund is a 501(c)3 organization. Managed by Partners in Education (PIE), all contributions are welcome and will help guarantee the future support of the Houck scholarship. For more information, contact PIE Development Director Rod Blackburn at rod.blackburn@pie490.org or by phone at 316-322-4800.