The Deschutes Historical Museum announces the Leon Devereaux Scholarship for graduating seniors planning to attend college next fall. Applications are open to graduating seniors living in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.

Two scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded.

The scholarship, originally founded by the Deschutes Pioneer Association in the late 1970s, was transferred to the Deschutes County Historical Society in 2023. The DCHS scholarship committee renamed the award in honor of Leon Devereaux, Jr.

Leon Devereaux, Jr. was born in Bend in 1923 and graduate from Bend High in 1941. Like many graduates of 1941 across the country, the entry of America into World War II derailed many plans and took him far from home. He flew a Corsair F-4U in 40 combat missions, his WWII heroism from the decks of the U.S.S. Shangrila the stuff of movies, complete with a crash landing.

After his return home, he married Marian Mowry and had three children. They were married 74 years. He worked for Brooks-Scanlon for 38 years, was elected to city council and served as mayor in 1968. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 97.

Application guidelines are available on Deschutes Historical Museum website or by calling 541-389-1813.

The application is available online at www.deschuteshistory.org/ldscholar. Call 541-389-1813 for any qustions.