The E. Wayne Cooley Scholarship Award was established in 1993 as a tribute to the man who served as Executive Secretary of the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union from 1954 through 2002. The recipient of this award is recognized as being representative of the most elite of the superlative Iowa Girl, not only on the playing field but also in the classroom, in her school, and in her community. Her profile will reflect discipline, perseverance, character, citizenship, and leadership, which personified the life and expectations of E. Wayne Cooley.
Each high school is limited to one nomination. It is the responsibility of the local school to determine how the nominee is selected.
Six finalists will be selected from the submitted applications for personal interviews with the selection jury in late January or early February.
Five finalists will receive a $1,000 scholarship grant. The E. Wayne Cooley Scholarship Award winner will receive a $15,000 scholarship ($3,750 annually). All nominees will receive a plaque commemorating their nomination by their school. Deadline is Dec. 1, 2025.