Larry Lamar Lanning Memorial Scholarship Prairie Lea High School, Texas · Class of 2026
Memorial Scholarship & Service Award

Honoring service. Investing in a Prairie Lea senior's future.

A one-time $1,000 award for one Prairie Lea High School senior in the Class of 2026 whose character and plans reflect the values of CMSgt Larry Lamar Lanning.

$1,000 Award One-Time Only College, Trade, or Military
View Application Steps Student Application
Portrait of Larry Lamar Lanning in Air Force service uniform
CMSgt Larry Lamar Lanning, USAF (Ret.) A life marked by service, leadership, teaching, and care for others.
Hard eligibility rule: This award is only for Prairie Lea High School seniors graduating in 2026. It is not open to other school districts or to Prairie Lea graduates from earlier years.

Eligibility at a Glance

The award is intended for one graduating Prairie Lea High School senior whose plans and character reflect the values that shaped Larry Lanning's life.

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Who May Apply

Prairie Lea High School seniors graduating in 2026.

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Approved Next Steps

Four-year college, community college, trade or technical training, certificate programs, or enlisted military service.

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Priority Pathway Areas

Military service, computer science, business administration or finance, education, and aligned service-oriented paths.

One-Time Award

The selected student receives a single, nonrenewable award. No recipient may receive additional funding from this scholarship after the initial award.

Proof Before Release

The award may be announced at senior awards night or graduation, but funds are released only after proof of enrollment or military enlistment within 12 months of graduation.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit your application for the scholarship.

1
Complete the student application form.
Provide your student details, eligibility confirmations, intended pathway, recommender information, and certification.
2
Upload the essay and recommendation letter.
Accepted file types: PDF or DOCX. Maximum 10 MB per file.
3
Principal assessment is submitted separately.
The principal or principal's designee completes a separate assessment form on behalf of the applicant.
4
Applicants who are not selected are notified.
All applicants will be notified of the selection outcome.
Essay Prompt

In 500 to 750 words, answer: “What am I going to do with my life beyond high school?” Explain the next step you plan to take, the future you hope to build, and how your goals reflect service, ethics, leadership, compassion, and community impact.

Originality Rule

The essay must be the student's own original work, ideas, and voice. AI tools may not be used to draft, rewrite, paraphrase, or materially enhance the essay. Review may include originality screening tools and follow-up questions.

Student Application Principal Assessment

About Larry Lamar Lanning

Honoring the full life behind the name of this memorial scholarship.

Memorial Summary

CMSgt Larry Lamar Lanning, USAF (Ret.), served 23½ years in the United States Air Force, including assignments in Pakistan, Vietnam, Germany, England, and the United States.

After retiring from military service, he continued serving others through teaching, school leadership, financial guidance, ministry, and care for military families and his community.

This scholarship honors that legacy by recognizing a Prairie Lea senior whose future plans and character reflect service, ethics, leadership, compassion, and community impact.

Values Reflected in the Award

  • Service to others
  • Ethical judgment and integrity
  • Leadership and initiative
  • Compassion and community impact
  • Follow-through on a clear next-step plan
Early portrait of Larry Lamar Lanning in U.S. Air Force uniform
An early Air Force portrait.
Larry Lamar Lanning speaking at a podium
Teaching and public service were central parts of his life.
Larry Lamar Lanning dancing with his wife Kathryn
A family photograph with Kathryn Lanning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about eligibility, selection, and the award.

Can a prior Prairie Lea graduate apply?
No. This award is only for Prairie Lea High School seniors graduating in 2026.
Can a student win more than once?
No. This is a one-time, nonrenewable award.
What happens if no student is selected or the award is not claimed?
The funds remain with the award account and roll forward for a future Prairie Lea High School senior recipient.
Larry Lanning headstone at a cemetery with American flags

In Memoriam