Students
Blair Michaela Shanahan Lane was a beloved, big-hearted 11 year old when she passed away in 2011. In Blair’s memory, her family has honored her desire to change the world by providing hope, comfort, support, clothing and other basic necessities to children in distressed situations through a non-profit organization called Blair’s Foster Socks. Blair’s Foster Socks established the Blair Michaela Shanahan Lane Memorial Scholarship in 2016 to build upon Blair’s loving legacy by providing scholarships to students in distressed situations.
Eligibility:
- Must be a graduating senior from any public high school in Independence, Lee’s Summit, or Raytown, or the following private schools: St. Michael the Archangel High School in Lee’s Summit, St. Teresa's Academy in Kansas City, and Notre Dame de Sion High School in Kansas City.
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5;
- Must have demonstrated involvement in school activities such as sports or music as well as out-of-school work and community service involvement;
- Must have demonstrated perseverance through distressed life circumstances.
Amount:
Up to $1,000 per academic year.
Renewable:
May be renewed for three additional years of funding. A renewal application must be submitted with proof of continuing college enrollment and a minimum college cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Deadline:
The General Application for the 2026-2027 cycle will be available December 1, 2025 and due February 16, 2026 (including any requirements listed below).
Requirements:
- Transcripts showing grades from Fall Semester 2025. Any applications submitted with transcripts omitting Fall Semester 2025 will not be considered.
- A typed essay of approximately 500 words that addresses your perseverance through difficult life circumstances, how you feel this perseverance has helped you become stronger, and how you hope to make an impact on other people's lives in the future.
- Two personal reference letters. One from a teacher and another from an employer, community service supervisor, or other adult.
Apply: