The clock is ticking, but there’s still time.
Children, grandchildren and legal dependents of OOIDA members have until Feb. 1 to submit their application for the 2026 Mary Johnston Scholarship program.
Each year, OOIDA awards one $2,000 and four $1,000 scholarships, each renewable for up to four years.
Funds are transferred directly to the student’s selected institution. The funds can be used for tuition or any legitimate school-related expenses.
“Mary Johnston started the scholarship program to help those in need, especially those who might be overlooked by traditional scholarships, such as students who are interested in going to a trade school rather than a four-year university,” said Charles Sperry, OOIDA Foundation Research Analyst.
The OOIDA Scholarship application is available online.
Winners are selected through a blind evaluation by an advisory committee.
“Over the years, we’ve seen it all,” Sperry said. “We’ve had everything from diesel mechanics to NASA engineers participate in our scholarship program. We hope to continue to grow the Mary Johnston Scholarship, which has awarded over half a million dollars since its beginning in 1998 to children, grandchildren, and legal dependents of OOIDA members.”
In 2025, Wyatt Arntt, son of senior member Steve Arntt of Goodland, Kan., was the $2,000 scholarship winner.
“My dad is a big reason why I’m going to higher education and to get my applied science degree in diesel mechanics,” Wyatt said. “I noticed (trucking) takes a special type of person who can barely stand to be away from home, but at the same time, they are supporting their families.”
Cooper Daniel, Madison Woehrle, Sig Halvorson and Michael Rotondo each won $1,000 scholarships, while Owen Pingel was selected as the alternate.
Other winners can be found at ooida.com/scholarship-program/.
If you would like additional information about the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship Program, e-mail [email protected] or write to:
Charles Sperry
OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship Program
1 NW OOIDA Drive
PO Box 1000
Grain Valley, MO 64029
Donations to help support the program are tax-deductible. LL
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