Kenneth Donald Burke Scholarship

The Burke Family created this scholarship fund for Northwest Classen scholar athletes in honor of Kenneth Burke, much-loved son, husband, and father.

Kenneth Donald Burke was born and raised in the Oklahoma City area. He attended Northwest Classen High School when its doors first opened in 1955 and scored the first touchdown for the Knights on the first kickoff return for the new school. A student government and Boys State representative, Kenneth received the first Sportsmanship Award from the Athletic Department and one of the first Faculty Awards "representing the highest achievements in leadership, service and character of members of the senior class." Lettering in football and baseball (All State Team), Kenneth graduated in 1956.

After attending Oklahoma A&M and then Oklahoma University, where he again lettered in baseball, Kenneth graduated in 1961 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, Kenneth went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone and retired from the Bell System in 1986 after more than 25 years. Kenneth had a lifelong interest in self improvement and public speaking. He is a past president of his Telephone Pioneers district and is a lifetime member of the Northwest Classen and OU Lettermen’s club (O’ Club), as well as the Northwest Classen Alumni Association. Kenneth is elder emeritus at Westside Christian Church in Algiers, Louisiana.

Eligibility:

• Northwest Classen High School Seniors graduating in 2009
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Must be lettered in football or baseball at Northwest Classen High School
  
• Must attend a four-year Oklahoma public university
  
• Oklahoma resident
  

Number of Awards: One

Amount of Award: $2,500.00

The Kenneth Donald Burke Scholarship will be presented at Stars of Education in Spring 2009. The application period for the 2009 Scholarship has closed. This scholarship is awarded annually. Check back to this site the Summer of 2009 for next application period.