Peter and Phyllis Babalian were members of Platte Woods United Methodist Church for over 45 years. They joined Platte Woods UMC upon moving to Kansas City. They were passionate about volunteering and could be found volunteering at Platte Woods UMC and Hillcrest Thrift Shop. Their passion at Platte Woods UMC was hospitality and helping children and youth. Their wishes were that a scholarship be created from memorial contributions in their family name. 

Objective: This scholarship is to provide financial assistance to full-time students in their post-high school education at any institution of higher learning (trade, vocational or collegiate).

Amount: $2,000.00 awarded to one recipient per academic year

Eligibility: This scholarship is open to any student who is a member of Platte Woods United Methodist Church. Applicants must exemplify high moral character and a good academic average.

• 2.0 minimum GPA
• Accepted to an institution of higher learning

Award Considerations: The scholarship committee will consider, among others, the following factors:

• Academic success and GPA
• Good attendance
• Involvement in school and community service
• Financial need

Applications: Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are due on or before 11:59 p.m., May 19, 2024. Apply using our scholarship form.

Eleanor Phillips Swinney was born in Fayette, Missouri. She graduated from Central College, now known as Central Methodist University, in 1940 with a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught in Marshall and Higginsville, Missouri, but spent most her life in Platte County. She taught from 1964 to 1980 in the Park Hill School District and served as head of the Language Arts department.  Eleanor and her husband, John R. Swinney, were members of Platte Woods United Methodist Church and were strong supporters of education.

This scholarship is for any student who is a member of Platte Woods United Methodist Church and attends Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. Please contact the financial manager at Platte Woods UMC to apply for the scholarship. Funds will be disbursed to Central Methodist University upon enrollment confirmation from the university.

PWUMC is offering an additional $1000/year scholarship with a generous donor. Applications are due by 11:59 PM on April 23rd, 2023

Apply using our scholarship form. For more information, please contact Misty Wilkinson, financial manager.