Elinor Wiley Haas Scholarship

Overview

_NOTE: The 2026 Scholarship Award Cycle application period opens on 12/15/2025._

Elinor Wiley Haas

Elinor Wiley Haas was born on January 6, 1935, in Solomon, Kansas. She graduated from Enterprise High School in 1953 and from Kansas Wesleyan College in 1957. She married Wayne C. Haas on August 12, 1962.

Elinor taught English and literature at Abilene High School for 37 years, serving as head of the English department for 23 years. She retired in 1994 and was inducted into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame in 1996.

After retiring from teaching, she volunteered at the Eisenhower Presidential Library for 22 years. She received the Weismann Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, given to her at the annual State of the Archives Address and Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Elinor was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Chancel Choir for many years. She was active in Beta Sigma Phi, Delta Kappa Gamma, Abilene Area Retired Teachers, and the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad. She served as a Community Foundation for Dickinson County board member and chaired the Scholarship Committee. The Abilene Chamber of Commerce recognized her with a Volunteer of the Year award.

Elinor was a frequent patron of the Abilene Public Library and served on the Library Board of Trustees. She was in charge of the donated books and the frequent sales that created funds for library programs, events, and other needs. Elinor never found a book she thought should be recycled.

Elinor Wiley Haas Scholarship

This scholarship is intended to benefit current or previous graduates of a Dickinson County High School or Home School who will be attending a Kansas 4 Year traditional institute of higher learning. This is a 4 Year scholarship of $10,000 per year.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Applicant must be a current or previous graduate of a Dickinson County High School or Home School.
* Applicant must have earned at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicant must maintain a B average or 3.0 GPA while enrolled in the institute of higher learning to continue eligibility