(COLUMBIA, MO) – The Columbia Public Schools Foundation (CPSF) announced its first scholarship for future educators. The Kathryn “Kay” McLeod Scholarship, presented by the Columbia Public Schools Foundation, honors former Columbia Public Schools teacher Kathryn “Kay” McLeod.

Both Kay and her husband, James “Mac” McLeod, were lifelong public educators. They began their careers at Columbia Public Schools, where Kay taught physical education at both Jefferson Junior and West Junior High School for 24 years, from 1948 to 1972. Kay had a passion for educating students and for seeing those students pursue further educational opportunities. In 2021, the Foundation announced the largest gift in its history, a donation of $1 million from Kay McLeod’s estate.

In recognition of her substantial contributions to the Foundation and to public education, the Foundation will provide a $2,500 one-time scholarship in her name to a high school senior at each CPS high school who plans to pursue a career in education.

“The Columbia Public Schools Foundation is pleased to establish our first-ever scholarship in Kay’s memory,” said Katie Harris, executive director of CPSF. “We’re continuing her legacy by helping a student who is graduating from CPS and wants to go on to become a teacher.”

Information on the scholarship and an online application can be found on the Foundation’s website at cpsf.org/scholarship-faqs. The scholarship deadline is Feb. 16, 2024.

The Columbia Public Schools Foundation is a private foundation established in 1996 by community volunteers dedicated to the enrichment of public education through community giving. The Foundation has funded projects in every school, allocating more than $1.6 million to enhance education in the Columbia Public Schools. CPSF has supported teachers and students for 27 years.