Evelyn McPhail Torchbearers Scholarship

Sponsored by the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women

Applications are closed for 2023 and will reopen in January of 2025

The Evelyn McPhail Torchbearers Scholarship is a Mississippi Federation of Republican Women (MFRW) funded scholarship that promotes and awards a female Mississippi resident in college or postgraduate study with a $2,500 scholarship. The Evelyn McPhail Torchbearers Scholarship is awarded every two years in conjunction with the MFRW biennial convention. The ideal candidate embodies the ideals of the Republican Party by holding fast to family values, being involved in political education, party fundraising, and honoring the legacy of Evelyn McPhail. Mrs. McPhail lived in an orphanage as a child but built a reputation as a kind but determined worker on the political front lines. Evelyn McPhail, a former co-chairman of the Republican National Committee, is best known for her tenacity in promoting the GOP. Mrs. McPhail led the Mississippi Republican Party in 1987-93. Under her leadership, Republicans claimed the governor's job for the first time in a century with Kirk Fordice's 1991 victory over an incumbent Democrat.  

Applicants must be female Mississippi residents, members in good standing of a Republican Women's Club, Tars, College Republicans, or equivalent membership. If no club in their home county exits, then a member of the club nearest to their county will be acceptable. The scholarship winner may not reapply. 

 To be eligible for the scholarship, the student must be at least an upcoming Sophomore of an accredited college or university. 

The student must present a good standing certificate 30 days after the semester begins before receiving scholarship funds. The Evelyn McPhail Torchbearers Scholarship is $2,500, MFRW will issue $2,500 for one semester or $1,250 each for a Fall and a Spring Semester. On October 22, 2021, the winner will attend the MFRW Legend and Legacy's dinner in Tupelo for a formal award ceremony.

A complete application must include the following:

Official application form

Local Club President Certification

Three letters of recommendations, including telephone numbers and email addresses of authors for follow-up

An official copy of the most recent college transcript

A one-page typed essay stating the reason why the applicant should be selected as the scholarship winner Approximately 500 words

A one-page typed essay on career goals. Approximately 500 words

Optional photograph